Voting process has begun in France for the regional elections with the far-right Front National predicted to get massive gains after last month’s Paris attacks which cost the life of 130 people.

According to the polls, the Front National led by Marine Le Pen is on course for massive gains, while strong security measures have already been applied with about 8,000 police officers patrolling to prevent a new terrorist attack.

It is the first time an election in France has been held under a state of emergency and security has been stepped up at polling stations, with armed police and soldiers patrolling in the capital and security guards checking voters’ bags, as the Guardian reports.

The Front National could come first in six out 13 regions in today’s first round and that could be a historic success for the party, which has never before held the leadership of a French region.

Polls show that the Front National could take control of at least two large regions.

At the same time, it is estimated that abstention rate would be high reaching 50%.

The polls close at 20:00 in the evening (local time), while the second round will take place on December 13.