• Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades waves to the crowd outside a polling station during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots were voting Sunday for a new president who they hope will overcome years of failure and finally resolve the ethnic divisions that have torn the Mediterranean island-nation into a Greek south and a Turkish north. Photo: Pavlos Vrionides, AP / Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Photo: Pavlos Vrionides, AP
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Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades waves to the crowd outside a polling station during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots were voting Sunday for a new president who they hope will overcome years of failure and finally resolve the ethnic divisions that have torn the Mediterranean island-nation into a Greek south and a Turkish north. less
Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades waves to the crowd outside a polling station during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on ... more
Photo: Pavlos Vrionides, AP
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Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades makes statements outside a polling station during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades makes statements outside a polling station during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, ... more
Photo: Pavlos Vrionides, AP
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An elderly woman casts her ballot during the presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
An elderly woman casts her ballot during the presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades with his grandchildren votes during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades with his grandchildren votes during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. ... more
Photo: Pavlos Vrionides, AP
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A woman casts her ballot during the presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
A woman casts her ballot during the presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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Cypriot Presidential candidate Stavros Malas, who is backed by the left-wing AKEL party, votes during the presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
Cypriot Presidential candidate Stavros Malas, who is backed by the left-wing AKEL party, votes during the presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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Cypriot Presidential candidate Stavros Malas, who is backed by the left-wing AKEL party, votes during the presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
Cypriot Presidential candidate Stavros Malas, who is backed by the left-wing AKEL party, votes during the presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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Cypriot Presidential candidate and leader of the center-right DIKO party Nicolas Papadopoulos escorted by his children casts his ballot in presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
Cypriot Presidential candidate and leader of the center-right DIKO party Nicolas Papadopoulos escorted by his children casts his ballot in presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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A woman leaves the booth as she votes in presidential elections in Nicosia, Cyprus Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
A woman leaves the booth as she votes in presidential elections in Nicosia, Cyprus Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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A man votes in presidential election at a polling station in Nicosia, Cyprus Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
A man votes in presidential election at a polling station in Nicosia, Cyprus Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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A man prepares to vote in presidential election at a polling station in Nicosia, Cyprus Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
A man prepares to vote in presidential election at a polling station in Nicosia, Cyprus Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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A man checks his ID number for vote in presidential election at a polling station in Nicosia, Cyprus Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
A man checks his ID number for vote in presidential election at a polling station in Nicosia, Cyprus Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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A woman votes in presidential election at a polling station in Nicosia, Cyprus Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
A woman votes in presidential election at a polling station in Nicosia, Cyprus Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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A woman leaves the booth as she votes in presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
A woman leaves the booth as she votes in presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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Cypriot Presidential candidate and leader of the center-right DIKO party Nicolas Papadopoulos escorted by his family votes in presidential elections in capital Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
Cypriot Presidential candidate and leader of the center-right DIKO party Nicolas Papadopoulos escorted by his family votes in presidential elections in capital Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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A woman votes during the presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
A woman votes during the presidential elections in Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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Cypriot Presidential candidate and leader of the center-right DIKO party Nicolas Papadopoulos escorted by his family votes in presidential elections in capital Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
Cypriot Presidential candidate and leader of the center-right DIKO party Nicolas Papadopoulos escorted by his family votes in presidential elections in capital Nicosia, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades with his grandchildren votes during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades with his grandchildren votes during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. ... more
Photo: Pavlos Vrionides, AP
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Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades arrives to vote during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades arrives to vote during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are ... more
Photo: Pavlos Vrionides, AP
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Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades surrounded by media arrives to vote during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots are voting for a new president they hope will overcome years of failure to resolve the island-nation's ethnic division and deliver more benefits from an economy on the rebound after a severe financial crisis. less
Cyprus' President and Cypriot Presidential candidate Nicos Anastasiades surrounded by media arrives to vote during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. ... more
Photo: Pavlos Vrionides, AP
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A woman with her child casts her ballot for presidential elections at a polling station in capital Nicosia, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots will vote in presidential elections with critical topics including the reunification of the divided island and economic recovery. less
A woman with her child casts her ballot for presidential elections at a polling station in capital Nicosia, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots will vote in presidential elections with critical topics ... more
Photo: Petros Karadjias, AP
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An elderly man casts his ballot during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots were voting Sunday for a new president who they hope will overcome years of failure and finally resolve the ethnic divisions that have torn the Mediterranean island-nation into a Greek south and a Turkish north. less
An elderly man casts his ballot during the presidential elections in the southern coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. Cypriots were voting Sunday for a new president who they hope will ... more
Photo: Pavlos Vrionides, AP
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NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The president of Cyprus appeared headed for a runoff election with a left-wing independent candidate after a first-round vote Sunday in which no candidate was likely to receive an outright majority.

With three-quarters of ballots counted, incumbent President Nicos Anastasiades looked set to face Stavros Malas, who's backed by Cyprus' communist-rooted AKEL party in a Feb. 4 runoff.

The official tally from Sunday's balloting showed Anastasiades leading with nearly 35.7 percent of the vote and Malas with 30.1 percent.

Nicholas Papadopoulos, leader of the center-right DIKO party and the son of late Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, trailed in third place with nearly 25.6 percent.

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Exit polls conducted by Cyprus' state broadcaster RIK had Malas going up against Anastasiades in a second round.

Concerns over widespread voter apathy appeared to be borne out as around 30 percent of eligible voters didn't casts ballots Sunday, a significant percentage given Cyprus' traditionally high voter turnout rates.

As in previous years, the Mediterranean island nation's decades-old ethnic division and numerous failed efforts to heal it dominated the concerns of voters. Many Cypriots also want more benefits from a rebounding economy to flow to a middle class struggling with the consequences of a 2013 financial crisis that nearly left the country bankrupt.

Cyprus was split into a Greek-speaking south and a Turkish-speaking north in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of union with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence and it maintains more than 35,000 Turkish troops in the north.

Anastasiades, 71, has campaigned on his experience, which he says brought reunification talks with breakaway Turkish Cypriots farther than at any time in more than four decades.

But both Malas, 50, and Papadopoulos, 44, have attacked Anastasiades for the failure of the recent peace talks that ended in July. Malas said the president was not bold enough to clinch a deal, and Papadopoulos said the president made too many concessions at the talks.

Anastasiades and Malas have said they would reach out to Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci to the negotiations restarted. Papadopoulos said he would first sound out U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Malas and Papadopoulos also accused the incumbent of not doing enough to support the shrinking middle class that suffered after Cyprus needed a multibillion-euro rescue package from its Eurozone partners and the International Monetary Fund in 2013.

Anastasiades has said his leadership brought the country's economy back from near bankruptcy.