The Serb turnout figures will be watched closely
The people of Kosovo are voting in local elections - the first poll since the territory declared independence from Serbia last year.
The Kosovan government says it is determined to organise a free and fair election in which both ethnic Albanians and the minority Serbs will vote.
Security is tight, especially in Serb areas where some say they fear attacks by other Serbs if they vote.
Thousands of Nato peacekeepers are still stationed in Kosovo.
Polling stations opened at 0700 (0600GMT) and will close at 1900, with early results expected by the end of Sunday evening.
Turnout fear
The BBC's Mark Lowen says most of the 120,000-strong minority Serb population still opposes Kosovo's independence.
A turnout of only about 40% is expected.
And one Albanian opposition group is discouraging people from voting, because they say this election gives too much power to the municipalities, some of which might end up controlled by Serbs.
Ten years on from Kosovo's brutal war, reconciliation between the two communities is slow.
There may be a moderate Serb turnout in this election, but many here are likely to follow Belgrade's call for a boycott
If this election is deemed free and fair, it may increase the chance of more states recognising an independent Kosovo.
President Fatmir Sejdiu has called for people to come out and vote.
"This Sunday should prove to the world that Kosovo is a stable country that produces peace and stability in the region," he said.
Fatmir Sejdiu
Voting polls opened in Kosovo at 7am (0600 UTC); the first time since declaring independence from Serbia last year. Both ethnic Albanians and the minority Serb population may vote for local mayors and councillors, a move seen as testing the government's capacity to organise its own democratic elections. The territory was run by the United Nations mission before its split from Serbia in February 2008.

On Friday, President Fatmir Sejdiu stressed the importance of the elections. And, calling on the 1.5 million eligible voters to mobilise, said "this Sunday should prove to the world that Kosovo is a stable country that produces peace and stability in the region".

The Kosovo police have tightened security, and the 13,000 Kosovo Force troops — a NATO-led peacekeeping force — are on standby, according to its commander, General Markus Bentler. Local and international observers will monitor polls.

The main concern is the number of citizens who will vote, as only a 40% turnout level is expected. According to the BBC, most of the 120,000 Serbs oppose Kosovo's independence. The government in Belgrade and the Serbian Orthodox Church have called for a boycott.

Polling stations are due to close at 7pm (1800 UTC); the first unofficial results are expected late Sunday evening.