Jerusalem - The Likud, the hardline opposition party currently tipped by opinion polls to win Israel's upcoming elections, was choosing its list of candidates Monday.

Some 99,000 registered members of the party of hawkish former premier Benjamin Netanyahu are eligible to vote nationwide at polling stations which opened at 10 am (0800 GMT) for 11 hours. With voting computerized, final results were expected at 2230 GMT.

The primary will determine the party's list of lawmakers. Netanyahu himself was elected Likud chairman in a separate December 2005 leadership contest and his place as the party's number 1 is as such secured. (dpa)