In the dying stages of vote-counting in the French General elections on Sunday(11 March ), a victory for the Guallists and their allies was already being described as a clear-out decision.

Hours before the final results were announced, the press room at the counting rooms in April were packed with newsmen for around the world. On Sunday night, some of them were so sure of a Gaullist victory that they were planning stories stating a majority for President Pompidou.

On Monday morning, it became official. The Guallists beat off the strong left-wing challenge to continue their 15-year rule of France. They emerged from the election with an overall majority of 59 seats in the 498-seat parliament.

Late on Sunday, voting had reached record levels, with only 18-per-cent abstentions.