Serbia's slain leader replaced

Serbia's Democratic Party has elected Boris Tadic as its leader to succeed Zoran Djindjic, who was assassinated 11 months ago, opening the way for the party's possible inclusion in a new coalition government.

Tadic, 46, defeated deputy leader and outgoing Prime Minister Zoran Zivkovic, winning 1538 votes from more than 1900 delegates.

A government is expected to be formed within the next 10 days under conservative Prime Minister designate Vojislav Kostunica.