Opposition's mood of optimism grows

Post-election rallies in Belgrade passed off peacefully

The people of Serbia woke up on Monday to the realisation that something extraordinary had happened.

The BBC's correspondent in Belgrade, Jacky Rowland describes the mood as one of "excitement and anticipation."

After 13 years under the leadership of President Slobodan Milosevic, a decade of which were scarred by Balkan wars, there is a feeling that the Milosevic era may be coming to an end.

The main opposition candidate Vojislav Kostunica, has declared himself the "peoples' president".

He believes that he's won 55% of the vote, enough to declare outright victory in the first round.

Mr Kostunica described the result as a new dawn for Serbia.

"This is our historic moment, a great new dawning for Serbia and Yugoslavia, a dawn of our freedom," Mr Kostunica said.

Street parties

Shortly after the polls closed on Sunday evening thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets of Belgrade and other major towns.

An estimated 20,000 supporters of Mr Kostunica and his Democratic Opposition of Serbia took over the centre of Belgrade until the early hours of Monday morning.

They danced and cheered for what they believed was their candidate's certain victory at the polls.

Both sides claim victory

"Kill yourself and save Serbia, Slobodan", some supporters chanted. Others held banners hailing President Milosevic's defeat reading, "He is gone!".

"Look how happy people are when they see even such a small sign of victory" said one supporter, 25 year old Pedja.

Despite the tension and uncertainty of recent weeks and the presence of riot police, most post-election rallies passed off peacefully.

There had been fears that street violence at these rally would provide President Milosevic with the pretext for a military clampdown.

But with both sides claiming victory, Yugoslavia faces days if not weeks of political uncertainty. Few observers believe that Mr Milosevic will easily surrender power, regardless of the election results.