2017 French Presidential Election - Francois Fillon beats Alain Juppe to be the conservative candidate in next year's French presidential election Sunday Nov 27,2016

Francois Fellon Wins France's Conservative Presidential Primary 

Francois Fillon (former prime minister under Nicolas Sarkozy)is to be the conservative candidate in next year's French presidential election after his rival Alain Juppe admitted defeat.

With virtually all the results counted, Francois Fillon won Sunday Nov 27,2016 's run-off with nearly 67% of the vote

With votes from 9,713 of the 10,229 polling stations counted, Francois Fillon had won 66.6% while Alain Juppe had 33.4%

As the result of the Republican party primary became clear, Francois Fillon told his supporters he would work for change.

"If the French people entrust me with their confidence," he said, "I will try to respect that contract and conduct myself with dignity."

"I will take up an unusual challenge for France," he went on to say. "To tell the truth and completely change its software."

Francois  Fillon promised to build a fairer society, saying France wants "truth and it wants action".He is likely to face a Socialist candidate and the far-right's Marine Le Pen inApril 2017 election

Francois Fillon had been widely expected to win the race, after securing 44% of the vote in the first round a week ago that saw former President Nicolas Sarkozy knocked out



Alain Juppe, the more moderate candidate, congratulated Mr Fillon on his "large victory" and pledged to support him in his bid to become president.