Skopje  - The ruling Macedonian VMRO-DPMNE party appeared set to solidify its authority with the victory of its candidate in the presidential election run-off on Sunday.

The VMRO candidate, Georgi Ivanov, is an overwhelming favourite to win the ballot even before the first round on March 22. Surveys show him with a two-to-one edge over the Social Democratic candidate and law professor, Ljubomir Frckoski.

In the first round, Ivanov won 35 per cent of the ballots cast, ahead of Frckoski with 20. Ivanov was tipped to claim the five-year term Sunday by winning roughly 65 per cent of the votes.

The nationalist VMRO, leading a broad coalition of smaller parties, already secured power with a landslide victory in parliamentary polls 10 months ago.

While the vote last June was marred by deadly violence and blatant violations, the presidential poll, held together with local elections, has proceeded so far without a major hitch.

Some 1.8 million voters will be able to cast their ballots between 7 am and 7 pm (0500-1700 GMT), with the whole process monitored by hundreds of foreign and thousands of local observers. (dpa)