(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-06 16:18

BELGRADE -- Montenegrins went to the polls on Sunday to vote in the first presidential election since the tiny Adriatic country declared independence from a union with Serbia two years ago.

Supporters of the incumbent Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic of ruling DPS (Democratic Party of Socialists) listen to his speech during a final pre-election rally in capital Podgorica on April 4. Montenegro votes Sunday in its first presidential elections since independence from a union with Serbia two years ago. [Agencies]

Polling stations opened at 8:00 a.m. (0600 GMT) for the election, which was contested by four candidates and the incumbent president, Filip Vujanovic, is widely viewed as the favorite to win in the first round.

The 53-year-old Vujanovic is supported by the Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS).

During his first stint as president since 2003, Vujanovic and his supremo Djukanovic pushed through a historic referendum to separate their republic from a union with Serbia, its traditional ally since 1918.

Since the split in June 2006, Montenegro has witnessed robust economic development and booming foreign investment as well as having signed a pre-membership agreement with the European Union.

In campaigning, Vujanovic has promised Montenegrins speedy integration into the European Union, fresh foreign investment, an efficient justice system and better living standards.

"We must devote ourselves to a better life, to new values, to a Montenegro within the EU," Vujanovic said in his final rally on Friday.

His main rival is Nebojsa Medojevic, the leader of the strongest opposition Movement for Changes.

The other two candidates are Andrija Mandic, who represents pro-Serb parties, and Srdjan Milic of the center-left Socialist People's Party.

Montenegro's president serves a five-year term for a largely ceremonial role. A run-off will be held two weeks later if no candidates win more than 50 percent of the valid votes in the first round. The DPS fears that the opposition could unite behind one candidate in the possible second round to undermine Vujanovic's chances of re-election.

There are about 490,000 eligible voters in Montenegro with a population of about 650,000.

About 800 international and domestic observers will monitor the polls.

Election monitors are expected to give their first estimates around 10:00 p.m. (2000 GMT), one hour after the close of the 13-hour voting.