French President’s ruling party has lost to the opposition Socialists in the second round of local elections seen as a test ahead of the next year’s presidential vote

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's ruling party has lost to the opposition Socialists in the second round of local elections seen as a test ahead of the next year's presidential vote.

Preliminary results give the Socialist Party 36 percent of votes on Sunday, ahead of Sarkozy's party with 18.6 percent and far-right National Front with 11.1 percent, AFP reported.

A large number of Sarkozy's UMP party has apparently defected to the far-right National Front. Less than half of eligible voters went to the polls which is a record low for France.

The local elections are not seen as crucial, but observers view them as a test of how popular parties are among voters.

Sarkozy has been attacked by the opposition for cost-cutting measures, including in national education.