First round voting intentions

41% to centre-right 39% to left 12% to far-right

In the second round on 16 June, the poll predicted Mr Chirac's centre-right would clinch 53%, and the left 47% in a two-way race.

Analysts have said that a strong National Front showing in the first round could split the right's vote, handing more seats to the left.

Second round voting intentions

53% to centre-right 47% to left

But some uncertainties remain over the vote, as 41% of those polled said they might still change their mind.

Another poll on the night of Mr Chirac's victory forecast the centre-right would win a majority in parliament next month.

If that were to happen, it would rule out another spell of awkward "cohabitation" which plagued Mr Chirac's previous term in office alongside Socialist Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

Some 58% of respondents in Thursday's poll said they did not favour a repeat of the power-sharing arrangement.

Swearing-in ceremony

Mr Chirac is to be sworn in this afternoon for his second term at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

It is expected to be a small-scale ceremony, which includes the proclamation of the official results of the presidential poll of 5 May.

Mr Chirac is due to make a speech at the end of the ceremony, to be followed by a 21-gun salute.