Nicos Anastasiades, the leader of the Democratic Rally Party (DISY), was ahead with 51.1 per cent in Cyprus' presidential elections, an initial exit poll on Sunday showed.
His main contender, former health minister Stavros Malas, who is backed by the current ruling communist AKEL party, earned an average of 27.3 per cent, according to state broadcaster RIK.
The third main candidate Giorgos Lilikas, who is supported by the small socialist party EDEK, was on 18 per cent.