Socialist front runner Francois Hollande will officially represent his party in the quest for top office in the Elysee Palace.

Local broadcaster RTL reported that up to 5,000 signatures of French mayors and elected officials were collected, clearing the way for the 57-year-old to run for 2012 presidential election.

Hollande, tipped to strongly challenge Sarkozy in the second round of elections of May 6, pledged to provide more jobs and eliminate the budget deficit by 2017 if elected.

He also wants to modify the European treaty by adding new clauses aimed at boosting economic growth and job creation in addition to capping executive pay, creating a financial transaction tax and separate retail and investment arms in banks.

A recent IFOP survey predicted Hollande would get 26.5 percent of the vote in the first round of elections on April 22, 1.5 percentage points behind President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Sarkozy took the lead for the first time in the race three days ago due to his recent protectionist push.

However, the poll still showed Hollande maintaining a strong lead over Sarkozy with 53.5 percent of the vote compared to the incumbent's 46.5 percent in the decisive May round of elections.