Milosevic Ally Leads Election

In a vote marred by charges of fraud, a protege of Yugoslav strongman Slobodan Milosevic appeared headed for victory Sunday in Serbia’s presidential elections. But it was unclear if the turnout was high enough for a valid vote.

It was the fourth time in three months that Serbs tried to elect a successor to Milosevic, now the president of Yugoslavia, which is composed of Serbia and Montenegro. The clash again pitted his ally, Socialist Milan Milutinovic, against ultranationalist Vojislav Seselj.

With about 80% of the vote counted, Milutinovic had 57% to 39% for Seselj, according to Socialist Party spokesman Ivica Dacic. About 4% of the ballots were invalid.

The three earlier elections were ruled invalid because the turnout of eligible voters fell below 50%. If that happens again, it will force yet another vote to replace the autocratic Milosevic.