Millions of people across the world's largest archipelago have voted in Indonesia's first direct presidential election as frontrunner Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono warned of possible violence if the contest goes to a second round. "Three cheers for democracy," enthused a Jakarta Post editorial as voters on Monday, ranging from illiterate tribesmen in Papua province to Javanese rice farmers and Jakarta yuppies, seized their historic opportunity. Ex-general Yudhoyono was certain to top the ballot - a survey last week gave him 43.5% support, more than his four rivals combined. But he needs more than 50% to avoid a runoff between the top two candidates on 20 September. "There will be two candidates facing each other, there will be a head-to-head competition, and surely this will be rough," the former security minister told reporters, surrounded by supporters trying to kiss his hand. **Warning*** "Supporters will face each other and there is the potential for confrontation. This is unavoidable. The key is for the candidates and the supporters to restrain themselves," he said. Yudhoyono, 54, also warned of possible cheating. "Politics is tough and cruel. Sometimes for power, any means can be used," he said. After three years in office, incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri is struggling to make it to the likely runoff. The survey by the International Foundation for Election Systems gave another ex-general, Wiranto, 14.2% support and Megawati 11.7%. National assembly speaker Amien Rais came fourth with 10.9%, while current Vice President Hamzah Haz had just 2.4%. **Feature*** Yudhoyono's astonishing rise in popularity has been the most marked feature of this election year. Megawati, despite being a daughter of charismatic founding president Sukarno, appears aloof and uncommunicative. Yudhoyono projects a soothing image of firmness, calmness and courtesy. In the public's perception, he is untainted by allegations of human rights abuses which dog the other ex-military candidate Wiranto. Police are deploying 200,000 officers to safeguard the 575,000 polling stations. Official results are expected to trickle in over the next two weeks. Results of an unofficial "quick count", which proved accurate in the April election, were to be released late on Monday or Tuesday. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Security guards carry ballot boxes on a motorcycle from a polling station in Aceh Besar town on July 5, 2004. (REUTERS)