The first round of parliamentary elections began in France on Sunday, where polls show that leftist parties could gain a slim majority of the 577 seats in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament. But, it is not clear whether the Socialists and their allies will win the necessary majority in the first round against the conservative UMP party, led by former President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Socialist President Francois Hollande unseated Sarkozy in a May 6 runoff election. He needs lawmakers' support to persuade European Union leaders, especially German Chancellor Angela Merkel, to focus on spurring economic growth rather than enforcing austerity in struggling European economies.

Early returns are expected after polling stations close Sunday evening. A second and final round of voting is scheduled for June 17.

France has about 45 million eligible voters. Those living in remote overseas territories, such as French Guyana, French Polynesia and the Caribbean islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, began voting on Saturday.