Apathy clouds Serbian election

The moderate nationalist Vojislav Kostunica and the western-backed economist Miroljub Labus will face each other in a run-off for the Serbian presidency later this month, but it is feared that apathy could invalidate the election and plunge the country into a constitutional crisis.

Mr Kostunica, the Yugoslav president, topped Sunday's first round of voting with 31%, against 28% for Mr Labus, who has the backing of Mr Kostunica's bitter rival, the Serbian prime minister Zoran Djindjic.

The ultra-nationalist Vojislav Seselj - endorsed by Slobodan Milosevic from his prison cell at the war crimes tribunal in the Hague - finished an unexpectedly strong third with 23%.

He is eliminated from the run-off on October 13 and most of his support is expected to transfer to Mr Kostunica, making him the clear favourite.

But a more likely outcome is that the turnout will not reach the necessary 50%, making the whole election invalid.

That would bring about a constitutional crisis, delay crucial reforms, and stall further cooperation with the Hague tribunal.

The turnout on Sunday was 55%, and analysts say the figure for the run-off may be lower, since some who voted for minor candidates will decide to stay at home: the turnout is traditionally lower in the second round.

Mr Kostunica and Mr Labus were both part of the DOS coalition which swept Mr Milosevic from power two years ago. But they fell out over the pace of reform and Mr Kostunica's nationalist and Mr Labus's European priorities.

On Sunday Mr Kostunica derided his rival's "uncritical acceptance of ... international financial institutions, regardless of the social situation in the country, and the non-existent legal framework".

Mr Labus said the result was a "great personal success" and an endorsement of the tough economic reforms he had begun as deputy prime minister.

Mr Kostunica has promised to topple Mr Djindjic's government if he wins the presidency, now a figurehead position but one that is likely to become more influential as part of the constitutional changes that will eliminate his current job as Yugoslav president.