Nationalist ahead in Serbia poll

Mr Nikolic, who leans towards Russia, appeared to have won 39.6%, while the more pro-EU president, Boris Tadic, had 35.5%, the electoral commission said.

Mr Nikolic said his Radical Party could not be stopped now. Mr Tadic said he was certain of victory in the run-off.

The poll is seen as key for Serbia’s future, with tensions high over Kosovo.

One of the main issues facing the new president will be Serbia’s breakaway province, whose majority ethnic Albanian population is expected to declare independence in the near future, the BBC’s Nick Hawton in Belgrade says.

‘Road to victory’

Posters were already being put up in the Serbian capital Belgrade for the 3 February run-off campaign, after it became clear that neither candidate had achieved the 50% necessary to win outright in the first round.

Mr Nikolic hailed his campaign’s success and the “extraordinary turnout” of more than 60%.

“Citizens have responded to their wish for change. We opened a road to victory in the run-off. We have never been closer to changes. I want to unite Serbia,” he said.

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Nationalist ahead in Serbia poll
BBC News