By Matthew Price BBC correspondent in Skopje

International monitors are preparing to conduct one of the largest election monitoring missions ever to be undertaken in Europe.

The Social Democrats should become the largest party

The people of Macedonia go to the polls for the first time since an uprising by ethnic Albanians in the north-west of the country last year.

It is widely expected that there will be a change of leadership.

Just over a year ago, there were concerns that another former Yugoslav republic might descend into all-out war.

Now, after what is widely seen as a successful peace process, it is hoped the elections can help draw a line under the conflict.

Fear of violence

The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe is conducting what it says is its biggest ever election monitoring mission. Its staff will visit polling stations during the day.

There is a fear that in some places, groups may try to intimidate voters. A number of violent incidents have already increased tension ahead of the poll.

The Albanian DPA is part of the ruling coalition

Most here complain about the state of the economy and the lack of jobs. Those issues are likely to be important in deciding the outcome of this election.

The ruling coalition between the two main Macedonian and Albanian parties is widely accused of corruption and economic mismanagement. They are predicted to lose votes.

The polls show that the Macedonian Social Democrats, the SDSM, should become the largest party here.

It is also predicted that the former leader of the Albanian insurgency group which conducted last year's armed uprising will win the Albanian vote.

Ali Ahmeti, now the leader of Macedonia's biggest ethnic Albanian party, is hugely popular within the Albanian community, but mistrusted by many Macedonians.

Any attempt to bring him into a coalition government would most likely be met with anger from many.