Comorans voted yesterday in the final round of a presidential race dominated by concerns over extreme poverty, and corruption.

Voters will choose between three candidates in a poll it is hoped will finally end a history of mercenary coups and inter-island conflicts since independence from France in 1975.

Popular religious leader and former MP Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi ? nicknamed ?Ayatollah? because of his schooling in Iran ? is the frontrunner.

The other contenders are Mohamed Djaanfari, a former pilot in the French military for 30 years, and Ibrahim Halidi, a candidate backed by outgoing President Azaly Assoumani.

Analysts say the vote will test whether a power-sharing pact signed between the islands in 2001 can bring their first peaceful change of power, ending a string of 19 coups or coup attempts including four by infamous French mercenary Bob Denard.

Tim COCKS