Lithuanians voted today to replace ousted President Rolandas Paksas, with a centrist former head of state tipped to beat a champion of the poor in a run-off marred by accusations of dirty campaign tactics.
Mr Paksas became Europe's first leader removed by impeachment in April over accusations that included links to Russian mobsters and intelligence.
The Paksas scandal embarrassed the ex-Soviet republic just before it entered Nato and the European Union, and many hoped the election would bring back stability to the young democracy.
Mr Valdas Adamkus (77), who as incumbent lost a 2003 run-off against Mr Paksas, won the first-round vote on his promise to steer the Baltic country back to normality after a year of turmoil.
"We will win," a smiling Mr Adamkus said after casting his ballot. He said the row, which erupted after anti-corruption raids on his political backers, had cast a shadow over the election in the nation of 3.5 million.
He failed to garner the 50 per cent needed for an outright win on June 13th, forcing the run-off against Peasants' Party leader Ms Kazimira Prunskiene, who was backed by Mr Paksas.
"The people must decide whether they want a symbolic president or not," Ms Prunskiene (61), who is pro-Europe but anti-US, said after a campaign full of promises to those who have lost out in the transition from communism to capitalism.
The five-year presidency is largely ceremonial and limited to overseeing foreign policy, but the vote is seen as a key test, ahead of autumn general elections, on whether Lithuania is en route to a populist backlash after joining the Western clubs.
Voting ends at 1700 GMT, with first results due three hours later. No exit polls were planned.