Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, who could become the next prime minister after winning the leadership of the centrist Kadima party, is already the Jewish state's most powerful woman.
The former Mossad spy has been a rising star on Israel's political scene for years and exit polls after the vote gave her a clear lead over her main opponent, Transport Minister and former army chief Shaul Mofaz.
"People know they can make a change," she said after casting her ballot.
Livni, a 50-year-old lawyer, has a reputation for integrity that has kept her out of the scandals that have dogged Olmert and other Israeli ministers.
If confirmed as head of the largest party in parliament, Livni must try to form a government, but if she fails the country must go to the polls -- and the right-wing Likud party of Benjamin Netanyahu is seen the more likely winner.