The former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia is voting in a run-off election to choose a new president. The poll comes after President Boris Trajkovski was killed in an air crash in February. Both candidates have appealed for the people to use their votes, amid concerns that a low turnout could invalidate the election. It is three years since the country was severely shaken by violence between the Macedonian army and ethnic Albanians. There is a peace process under way, but many are apprehensive about the future. **Promises*** The election promises are of ethnic harmony and economic prosperity. Neither is likely to happen soon. Ethnic Albanians say they remain neglected in Macedonia, despite progress since fighting ended in 2001. And the economy is in a desperate state - with 40% unemployment and incomes among the lowest in Europe. Against this background, the current prime minister, Branko Crvenkovski, takes on his opponent in the presidential race, Sasko Kedev. **Decisive vote*** The Albanian vote could be decisive. The two Albanian candidates were eliminated in the first round, and the remaining contenders desperately need their support. The biggest triumph will be getting the people to vote at all. If less than half turn out - and that is a real possibility - then the election will be annulled. The whole process would start once again. That would be bad news for the people of Macedonia, who want to see less politics and more action. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Branko Crvenkovski, the current Macedonian Prime Minister and presidential candidate of the biggest Macedonian ruling party SDSM (Social Democratic Union of Macedonia) casts his ballot in the second round of the Macedonian Presidential election, in Skopje April 28, 2004. (REUTERS)