Socialist Francois Hollande is leading in the latest French opinion polls, with 52.5-53.5 percent of voters saying they intend to vote for him.

The election campaign in France ends on Friday. The runoff election will take place on Saturday (in some overseas departments) and Sunday.

A poll by BVA for Le Parisien and by Ipsos for France Televisions/ Radio France/ Le Monde gave Hollande 52.5 percent against incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy’s 47.5 percent.

A survey by CSA for BFMTV/ RMC /20 Minutes /CSC said Hollande was supported by 53 percent against Sarkozy’s 47 percent.

A TNS Sofres poll for iTele gave Hollande 53.5 and the incumbent president 46.5 percent.

The statistical margin of error totals 2.1-3.1 percent.

Sarkozy, who had gained 27.18 percent in the April 21-22 first round, needed a breakthrough in Wednesday’s television debate in order to retake the lead from Hollande, who had received 28.63 percent.

However, most TV viewers gave preference to Hollande, saying they were impressed by his confident manner.