Yudhoyono set for Indonesia win

Indonesians seem to have voted for change

Former army general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono looks certain to unseat Megawati Sukarnoputri in Indonesia's first direct presidential election.

With more than half the votes now counted, he has 60.2% of the vote compared to Mrs Megawati's 39.8%.

Mr Yudhoyono has yet to claim victory, and Mrs Megawati has not commented on the outcome of Monday's election.

More results will trickle in over the coming days, but the winner will not officially be known until 5 October.

Mr Yudhoyono is believed to be in discussions about the make up of his cabinet.

In brief comments made on Monday, which he insisted was not a victory speech, he paid tribute to Mrs Megawati for ensuring peaceful and fair elections.

"I also ask all political elite to continue our reform to develop the democracy that is now fostering in Indonesia," he added.

INDONESIA'S HISTORIC POLL Mr Yudhoyono won first round 150 million registered voters on 14,000 islands Previous leaders chosen by the legislature Winner must tackle regional conflicts and terrorist threat Have Your Say on outcome Latest results (official website)

More than 80m votes have now been counted, about two thirds of the expected total.

A "Quick Count" survey by the US-based National Democratic Institute also gave Mr Yudhoyono 61% of the vote, compared to Ms Megawati's 39%.

According to the BBC correspondent in Jakarta, Rachel Harvey, this could be the first peaceful and truly democratic handover of power in Indonesia's history.

Mr Yudhoyono, also known by his initials SBY, won the first round of voting in July and has led opinion polls ever since.

Our correspondent says most Indonesians seem to be in the mood for a change, especially since President Megawati has increasingly been seen as reticent and ineffective.

Mr Yudhoyono faces a number of difficult tasks if he is elected. He has said his priorities are the economy, tackling widespread corruption, and creating jobs.