Presidential elections under way in Serbia

BELGRADE, Serbia, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- Serbians cast ballots Sunday in a presidential election dominated by Kosovo's bid for independence and the economy.

There are nine presidential candidates and analysts expect a run-off between pro-Western President Boris Tadic and the leader of the Serbian Radicals Party Tomislav Nikolic, the BBC reported.

Serbia's president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, although other roles are largely symbolic.

The vote comes at a critical time with Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci expected to move toward formal independence within "a few weeks," the BBC said.

Corruption, living standards and other economic issues are primary concerns among Serbian voters. Voters are also concerned with the nation's relationship with the European Union, the Sofia News Agency said.

Thousands of international election monitors are watching Serbia's polls, however, observers from the United States and England were banned because of the two nations' support for an independent Kosovo.