Serb nationalist leader calls for vote boycott

Ultra-nationalist leader Mr Vojislav Seselj urged his supporters today to boycott the second round of Serbia's presidential election…

Ultra-nationalist leader Mr Vojislav Seselj urged his supporters today to boycott the second round of Serbia's presidential election.

His call increases the chances that the vote will be invalid. A turnout of at least 50 per cent of all registered voters is required for the winner of the October 13th run-off to be elected president, according to Serbia's election law.

Radical Party leader Mr Seselj won a surprisingly strong 23.24 per cent of votes to finish third in last Sunday's first round, which had a turnout of 55.5 per cent.

If his voters stay away from the run-off between Yugoslav President Mr Vojislav Kostunica and Yugoslav Deputy Prime Minister Mr Miroljub Labus, analysts say, it will be more difficult for the two candidates to attract the necessary turnout.