PARIS \u2014 With results from the first round of France\u2019s municipal elections rolling in, the focus is quickly turning to the all-important negotiations between competitors ahead of next Sunday\u2019s runoff.<\/p>\n
Contests in which no candidate nets an absolute majority will see all candidates who score more than 10 percent qualify for the second round. Mayoral hopefuls have until Tuesday at 6 p.m. to decide whether to cut deals or forge ahead alone, so the clock is ticking. <\/p>\n
Such alliances will likely determine victory in France\u2019s biggest cities, including Paris, where the Socialists are currently ahead in their bid to extend their quarter century reign over the French capital. <\/p>\n
The National Rally and its allies are looking very competitive in southern metropolises such as Marseille, Nice and Toulon, but their opponents could try to join forces to keep the far right out of power. The hard-left France Unbowed is also on track for some impressive wins.<\/p>\n
And former centrist Prime Minister \u00c9douard Philippe looks likely to avoid a disaster in Le Havre that would have effectively knocked him out of next year\u2019s presidential election.<\/p>\n
The contests are expected to be an important indicator of voter sentiment heading into next year\u2019s high-stakes race to replace Emmanuel Macron \u2014 though plenty of races are driven by local issues and personalities.<\/p>\n
Read on for the latest information in the races and the expected political horse-trading.<\/p>\n