Serbian voters turned out in force in yesterday's presidential elections, widely seen as a test of Serbia's readiness to put integration with the European Union ahead of sovereignty over Kosovo.

The independent Centre for Free Elections and Democracy, political parties and official election commissioners reported turnout near 50 per cent by 5pm local time, with three hours of polling remaining. The centre said 58.2 per cent of those eligible had voted, creating a "referendum atmosphere" at polling stations.