World

Nicolas Sarkozy concedes defeat in race for French presidential nomination

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy leave the polling station after casting their votes for the conservative primary election, in Paris. Picture by Thibault Camus, Associated Press
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy leave the polling station after casting their votes for the conservative primary election, in Paris. Picture by Thibault Camus, Associated Press Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy leave the polling station after casting their votes for the conservative primary election, in Paris. Picture by Thibault Camus, Associated Press
By Sylvie Corbet and Associated Press

FORMER president Nicolas Sarkozy has conceded defeat in the race to choose the conservative nominee for next year's French presidential election.

Former prime ministers Francois Fillon and Alain Juppe both outpolled Mr Sarkozy in early returns and stand to advance to the November 27 run-off.

In a speech from his campaign headquarters in Paris on Sunday, Mr Sarkozy called on his supporters to vote for Mr Fillon in the second round.

With more than 3.2 million votes counted of an estimated total of more than five million, Mr Fillon had 44 per cent, Mr Juppe 28.1 per cent and Mr Sarkozy 21.1 per cent.

Mr Fillon has enjoyed a strong boost in popularity in recent weeks thanks to his image of authority and seriousness compared to Sarkozy's more brazen demeanour.