VELKOGRAD, Ostravia (CNM) -- Polling stations opened at dawn across this mountainous republic, where 4.2 million voters are choosing between the governing Forward Party and the opposition Union of Bakers, Farmers and Engineers.

Ostravians line up to vote in central Velkograd

Turnout appeared brisk in the capital despite heavy snow. Election officials said some rural ballot boxes would arrive by horse-drawn sleigh, a tradition that also serves as a contingency plan should computers fail on January 1.

"The sleighs are 100 percent Y2K compliant," said Chief Electoral Officer Magda Vrbenska. "Horses do not know what year it is, and they do not care."

Prime Minister Anton Kerecz, seeking a third term, has campaigned on economic growth and a promise to finish the Velkograd ring road, which was begun in 1971. Opposition leader Ilse Draganova has promised cheaper bread and a national holiday for the new century.