British colony Gibraltar held general elections today with Chief Minister Peter Caruana expected to win a third term as voters reward his staunch resistance to Spain's push for sovereignty.
The vote comes only a year after Mr Caruana called a surprise referendum which overwhelmingly rejected negotiations between London and Madrid to share sovereignty over the tiny colony.
Although the referendum was non-binding, its 99-per cent "No" vote mortally wounded talks, forcing Britain to state it would not sign a deal against the wishes of Gibraltarians.
It also furthered the popularity of Mr Caruana (47), with the 30,000 inhabitants of the enclave on Spain's southern coast.
Some 19,500 people are eligible to vote and initial turnout suggested participation could top 80 per cent. Polls opened at 0800 GMT and close at 2100 GMT with results due around 0600 GMT tomorrow.
Spain ceded the barren outcrop to Britain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, but has been trying to take it back ever since.
Britain refuses to consider giving up control over a naval base on the outcrop, a strategically important site at the mouth of the Mediterranean.