Reunification issue in Cyprus elections

NICOSIA, Cyprus, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- Voters headed to the polls Sunday in Cyprus in a tight presidential race seen as critical to the future of the partitioned island.

The three leading candidates are deadlocked and the outcome of the race is too close to call, EuroNews.net reported.

The Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 resulted in the partition of the Mediterranean island into Greek and Turkish regions. A U.N.-backed plan in 2004 introduced a reunification plan to bring the island into the European Union.

Communist contender Demetris Christofias said he is the best candidate to negotiate with Turkish Cypriots, while former Foreign Minister and right-wing candidate Loannis Kassoulides said he can best address reunification.

Incumbent President Tassos Papadopoulos has rejected the U.N-plan entirely.

The vote is only taking place in the Greek Cypriot portion and is expected to result in a runoff vote next week.

A U.N. team will travel to Cyprus to examine the reunification process in late February.