Guatemalans are looking for relief from an out-of-control crime problem as they vote for a new president.

Pre-election opinion polls show 61-year old retired General Otto Perez of the Patriotic Party as the lead contender in Sunday's election but with far less support than the 50% needed to avoid a run-off in November. Perez will likely face conservative businessman Manuel Baldizon in a run-off.

Among the field of ten candidates, the only left-leaning candidate is Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Rigoberta Menchu who appears to be generating only marginal support.

The campaigns have focused on who will do the best job in controlling crime, primarily linked to drug trafficking.

The winner of November's run-off election will take over in January, replacing President Alvaro Colom, who is barred by law from running for re-election.