The Latest: Low turnout in French parliamentary election

Volunteers wait for people at a polling station during the first round of parliamentary elections in Marseille, southern France, Sunday, June 11, 2017. French voters are choosing lawmakers in the lower house of parliament in a vote that is crucial for newly-elected president Emmanuel Macron. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)

PARIS (AP) — The Latest on the first round of France’s parliamentary election (all times local):

6:25 p.m.

The low turnout rate in the first round of France’s parliamentary election suggests a sharp drop-off in interest among voters after the May election of President Emmanuel Macron.

Under France’s election rules, low voter turnout could also see fewer candidates make it through the second round next Sunday.

By late afternoon, just 41 percent of registered voters on the French mainland had cast ballots. That compared to 48 percent at the same time in the first round five years ago and 49 percent in 2002.

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8:05 a.m.

French voters are choosing lawmakers in the lower house of parliament in a vote that is crucial for newly-elected president Emmanuel Macron.

Some 7,882 candidates are running for 577 seats in the National Assembly in Sunday’s first round of the two-stage legislative elections. Top vote-getters advance to the decisive second round June 18.

Macron’s year-old centrist movement, Republic on the Move, is seeking an absolute majority to be able to implement his campaign promises, which include simplifying labor rules and making it easier to lay off workers in hopes of boosting hiring.

Polls suggest the elections will strongly favor Macron’s party and dramatically shake up French politics, punishing the traditional left and right parties and leaving no single strong opposition force.