Main figures in Serbia general election

(Reuters) - Here are brief portraits of the main figures in the campaign for Serbia's election on Sunday:

TOMISLAV NIKOLIC, 56, Radical Party

Orientation: nationalist, populist, eurosceptic

Biography: Nikolic is seen as the main driver behind the Radicals' shift from an ultranationalist party led by a war crimes suspect to a populist-national party equally focused on fighting poverty, corruption and the secession of Kosovo. He says Serbia should not pursue EU membership at all costs, especially not by letting Kosovo go. His frank manner appeals to many conservatives, and he won 48.8 percent of the vote in the presidential election in February.

Promises: keep Kosovo within Serbia but without going to war; fight crime, corruption; promote employment through state projects, implement people-friendly economic growth strategies.

Quote: "(The EU and Serbia) can work together as friends, but hands off our territory. If you think Kosovo must be independent, forget Serbia as the place where you'll make money."

Slogan: "Forward, Serbia!"

Latest poll figures: 33.2 percent

BORIS TADIC, 50, Democratic Party

Orientation: centre right, pro-Western

Biography: As president of Serbia, the leader of the Democrats is not a candidate for prime minister, but has led his party's campaign in the absence of an equally popular successor. Having entered politics in the 1990s as an activist against late autocrat Slobodan Milosevic, he won his second term as president in February by consolidating the liberal camp and taking 51 percent of the vote.

Promises: moving towards the European Union while fighting the secession of Kosovo; attracting investment, creating jobs, improving healthcare and education.

Quote: "Kosovo cannot be saved by paralyzing Serbia, but only by decisively moving forward. Some people say we should not speak with countries that have recognized Kosovo's independence until they take back their decision. I say only if we head towards the EU can we deal with that problem and also attract foreign investment."

Slogan: "For a European Serbia"

Recent poll figures: 31.5 percent

VOJISLAV KOSTUNICA, 64, Democratic Party of Serbia