Serbia pulled between Russia and West in election

By Ellie Tzortzi

BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbs face a choice between a nationalist who leans towards Russia and a liberal favouring the West in a presidential election run-off next month.

Both candidates oppose independence for the breakaway province of Kosovo, expected to be declared soon after the second round vote with the backing of the West.

Nationalist challenger Tomislav Nikolic took 40 percent in Sunday's first round, according to final results, ahead of 35.4 percent for pro-Western President Boris Tadic.

The two men will compete in a February 3 run-off, a repeat of the 2004 race which Tadic won with 53.2 percent.

Analysts said Sunday's 61 percent turnout -- strong by Serb standards and the highest since the fall of Slobodan Milosevic in 2000 -- showed how seriously people took the vote. Turnout could be even higher on February 3.

The election comes at a pivotal moment for Serbia as it faces the loss of its historic heartland Kosovo where the Albanian majority is seeking independence.

The second-round will require a "maximum mobilisation by both candidates", analyst Zoran Stojiljkovic told Belgrade daily Danas. "We can expect a tight race and a decision in photo-finish, with Tadic having only a slight lead."

Tadic has warned of dark days if Nikolic wins and in effect has the backing of the European Union, which on Monday said it was "confident that Serbia will continue to pursue its European course."