Romania's presidential election is set to enter a run-off after exit polls suggested no candidate had won an overall majority.
Initial polling data indicated that current PM Victor Ponta has topped the poll with 38-40% of the vote.
His main challenger, Klaus Iohannis, is said to be trailing him on about 32%.
Romanians are voting to decide who will replace President Traian Basescu, who is stepping down after serving his two-term limit.
The election in the ex-communist nation has occasionally been marred by bitter recriminations.
Mr Ponta, a social democrat, often feuded with centre-right President Basescu, who he served under for two years while premier.
Frontrunner and current Prime Minister Victor Ponta The prime minister tried to have the president impeached in 2012, while for his part President Basescu recently accused Mr Ponta of having been a spy.
If the vote enters a run-off the prime minister is likely to face Mr Iohannis, an ethnic German mayor who has the support of two centre-right parties.
Turnout in the poll was estimated to be 52.3%.
Corruption problemsRomania is the second poorest state in the European Union, which it joined in 2007.
It is also one of the EU's most corrupt member states, according to Transparency International.
Speaking to Reuters news agency, one voter said he was "fed up" with politics in his home country.
"When will we start to live better?" said toolmaker Marin Tudose, 48. "Because so far it hasn't happened for me."
Another, Elena Pascu, told the AFP news agency that she hoped "the next president will work to give young people a chance".
Official results are expected on Monday, while a run-off - if required - will take place on 16 November.
Klaus Iohannis, the prime minister's main challenger Romania poll set to enter run-off
Put the internet to work for you.
0 comments:
Post a Comment