Romanians vote in national poll

November 30, 2008

Voters can choose individual candidates as well as party lists for the first time

Romanians are voting in the country’s first parliamentary elections since joining the European Union in 2007.

Six main parties or alliances are competing for seats in the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

The global economic crisis is likely to be the biggest issue for the 18 million Romanians eligible to vote.

PM Calin Popescu Tariceanu’s centre-right Liberal Party has lagged in the polls with left-wing Social Democrats expected to do well, analysts say.

Polls opened at 0700 (0600 GMT) and close at 2100 (2000 GMT).

For the first time, Romanians are choosing from among individual candidates instead of party lists as they fill seats in the 452-member parliament.

But BBC Eastern Europe correspondent Nick Thorpe says the complex voting system has led some observers to express concerns about the possibility of fraud.

In the 19 years since the Romanian revolution, the left have traditionally shown more discipline, while centre-right alliances have achieved dramatic election victories, but broken up under the strains of governing, our correspondent says.

Romania’s president has the power to nominate the prime minister - which can have a significant impact on the shape of the government, if the result is close.

Romanians vote in national poll

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