Other contenders for the presidency include Sasa Jankovic, a humanrights lawyer and former government ombudsman, Vuk Jeremic, a former foreign minister, and Vojislav Seselj, Mr Vucic’s one-time political mentor.

"I really hope that with these elections, Serbia will carry on toward its further stability with full support of its government," Mr Vucic said as he cast his ballot. "I don't know if I'll win, but I truly hope that those who want to destabilize Serbia will not succeed."

About 30 percent of voters had cast ballots with six hours before polls closed, a relatively low turnout thought to favour Mr Vucic.