Polls open in Romanian elections

BUCHAREST, Romania -- Romania has gone to the polls in parliamentary and presidential elections that are expected to put leftists back in power.

Veteran ex-communist Ion Iliescu's Party of Social Democracy (PDSR) appeared poised to regain control of the two-chamber parliament, the seat of power in Romania, in Sunday's poll.

Although voters ousted Iliescu four years ago, many Romanians say living conditions have become worse under his successor, President Emil Constantinescu. Statistics show about 40 percent of Romanians live below the poverty level.

Iliescu, who was president from 1990 to 1996, was voted out of power for failing to chart a way forward after the fall of communist rule.

AUDIO Romanian journalist Alessandra Stoicescu tells CNN "Iliescu could win in a second round" 39 seconds 430kb AIFF or 220kb WAV sound     ALSO Presidential candidates The main parties Hopes for a better future

Romania has struggled to find its way since communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was overthrown and executed in 1989 in Eastern Europe's bloodiest revolution.

All 12 presidential contenders and leading parties have pledged to transform Romania and join NATO and the European Union.

"For us there is no alternative," Iliescu said in televised remarks. "We cannot live isolated, we have to find ways to catch up, reduce gaps...attract foreign capital."

But a strong showing by leftist candidates in the elections could hinder Romania's attempts to join the EU and NATO and slow down economic reforms, analysts say.

A survey by the independent CURS agency published on Friday gave Iliescu 38 percent, less than the 50 percent barrier needed to win the presidency outright.

It put Corneliu Vadim Tudor, flamboyant leader of the ultranationalist Greater Romania Party (PRM), in second place on 21 percent, followed by former Prime Minister Theodor Stolojan on 15 percent and current premier Mugur Isarescu with 11.

Tudor, a former court poet of Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, is known for his militant rhetoric.

He has been quoted as saying that he will mete out justice with a rifle, leading to charges he promotes violence among his supporters. He became popular with promises to restore order.

A survey published on Thursday by independent pollsters IRECSON put Isarescu in the second place with 16 percent, ahead of Tudor on 15. It also suggested that Isarescu was the only contender who had a chance to defeat Iliescu in a run-off.

The PDSR, attracting some 40 percent backing in polls, has refused to discuss possible coalitions for a majority government before the election.

Tudor's PRM was second in the CURS survey followed by Stolojan's Liberals.

Also likely to clear the five percent barrier needed to enter parliament were the Hungarian Democratic Union representing the seven percent Hungarian minority and the Democratic Party of former Foreign Minister Petre Roman.

But defeat loomed over the Democratic Convention 2000 coalition of pro-reform parties which backs Isarescu. It runs below the 10 percent threshold an alliance needs to enter parliament.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Romanian Presidency
Romanian Chamber of Deputies
Government of Romania

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