BEIJING, Feb. 25 -- The presidential candidates in the race for the top job in Cyprus have cast their votes as residents went to the polls to choose between them.

It's expected the election will raise hopes of a peace deal on the partitioned island.

About half a million Cypriots are eligible to vote in Sunday's election. It's a run-off between Communist leader and Parliament Speaker, Demetris Christofias, and right-wing backed former Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

Both candidates cast their ballot on Sunday, and called on the people to vote.

Ioannos Kassoulides, Independent Candidate, said, "Today everything is in the hands of the people, and I call all my compatriots to come together to vote and choose, which is their right."

Demetris Christofias, Communist Party Leader, said, "This is a sacred moment. It is surely the moment of the people. They will decide who will be the new president of the democracy of Cyprus for the next five years."

Christofias says he's a leader with a vision for a fairer society, in which people are the focus.

Kasoulides pledged to use all the structures and all the rights a EU member state enjoys for progress and prosperity.

President Tassos Papadopoulos, who was defeated in last Sunday's first round election, called for stability.

Tassos Papadopoulos, Greek Cypriot President, said, "I call everyone to accept the vote democratically and with calm, and to avoid any extremities and fanaticism. Monday should be a day where we should all be united in the common cause for the salvation of our country."

Both candidates have pledged a more conciliatory approach towards Turkish Cypriots.

After the election, Greek and Turkish Cypriots expect fresh efforts to revive the deadlocked reunification process.

(Source: CCTV.com)