Polls are open in Uruguay for presidential elections which are pitting a former left-wing guerrilla against a conservative ex-president, BBC reported.
The front-runner in exit polls is Senator Jose Mujica, a leading member of the Tupamaru movement who spent 12 years in prison during military rule.
His rival, Luis Lacalle, has been trying to shake off an elitist image.
Both men are following the highly popular government of Uruguay's first socialist leader, Tabare Vasquez.
He has led the country out of the the economic doldrums and created employment.
Mr Mujica is in his 70s now, maverick, outspoken and with an extraordinary political pedigree.
But the senator says he now represents a more moderate left along the lines of President Lula in Brazil next door.
He has much support from the poor and working class.
Mr Lacalle, a lawyer and former president, says he wants less taxation, to fight crime, and a smaller role for government.