Serbia set for run-off as record vote gives edge to nationalists

NATIONALIST Tomislav Nikolic won the most votes in the first round of Serbia’s presidential election on Sunday but not enough to win outright, exit polls showed, setting up a run-off with pro-western President Boris Tadic.

Analysts said the record 61% turnout reflected a widespread fear among liberal Serbs that a win for Mr Nikolic would stall reforms and complicate Serbia’s path to the EU.

“People realised it’s a very important election as depending on who wins, Serbia will decide its future orientation, to the EU or Russia,” said Djordje Vukovic of the CESID think-tank.