Cyprus to elect new president in close contest

Cyprus voted in a close presidential election between three front runners, with the electorate focused more on corruption and the economy than the island's long-standing division.

A record 14 candidates -- but only two women -- are standing, with the winner needing 50 percent plus one vote to succeed two-term President Nicos Anastasiades.

Opinion polls predict a run-off on February 12, with no contender expected to secure an immediate outright majority.

The last opinion poll had Christodoulides leading at 26.5 percent, Neofytou at 22.5 percent and Mavroyiannis 21 percent.

Many analysts believe that Christodoulides, who served in both Anastasiades administrations, is still the favourite.

Voters appear more concerned about a cash-for-passports scandal and the pressures of irregular migration on public resources than the island's decades-old division.

Cyprus has been split since 1974, when Turkish forces occupied the island's northern third in response to a Greek-sponsored coup.

The centrist parties that back Christodoulides take a tough line on reunification talks, but his rivals are seen as less hawkish.

Neofytou is seen as a pragmatist and "dealmaker", while Mavroyiannis backer AKEL champions reconciliation with the Turkish Cypriots.

Analysts say campaign pledges to root out corruption and improve the economy are key issues for the electorate.