France votes: Sarkozy says 'crucial time has come'

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said that "the crucial time has now come" for the people of France to preserve their way of life.

His comments came as it emerged that he had come second in the first round of the country's presidential poll, according to partial results.

Mr Sarkozy will face Socialist Francois Hollande in a second-round run-off on 6 May.