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MINSK, Belarus Mar 19 (Reuters): Polling was under way in Belarus Sunday in a presidential election where President Alexander Lukashenko seeks re-election against a liberal opposition who vow to contest any attempt to rig the vote.
Thousands of people staged the largest opposition rally in years on Saturday, with Lukashenko threatening to "wring the necks" of protesters disturbing the peace.
Lukashenko, accused in the West of flagrant human rights violations in 12 years in power, is all but certain to easily defeat three challengers, two from the small liberal opposition.
Main opposition hopeful Alexander Milinkevich accuses Lukashenko of preparing to rig the vote. The European Union, which has sanctions in place against top Belarussian officials, has expressed concern over a "lack of freedom".
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