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Moldovans vote in election re-run | |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Moldovans are voting in a parliamentary election, three months after a disputed ballot led to violence and two deaths. | |
The opposition has been demanding a re-run of April's election, claiming it was rigged. | The opposition has been demanding a re-run of April's election, claiming it was rigged. |
The new vote is being held because the Communists, who won a majority in the initial poll, failed to win enough seats to elect a president. | |
Opposition parties boycotted the votes to elect a replacement for outgoing President Vladimir Voronin. | Opposition parties boycotted the votes to elect a replacement for outgoing President Vladimir Voronin. |
Polling stations opened at 0400 GMT and are due to close at 1800 GMT. | |
After the April result, thousands of people took to the streets, clashing with police, and storming parliament and the presidential offices. | |
The opposition and some international observers said the vote had been rigged, although others said it was generally fair. | The opposition and some international observers said the vote had been rigged, although others said it was generally fair. |
The Communist Party gained 60 of the 101 seats - one short of the 61 seats needed to meet the three-fifths majority required to elect its presidential candidate, current Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii. | The Communist Party gained 60 of the 101 seats - one short of the 61 seats needed to meet the three-fifths majority required to elect its presidential candidate, current Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii. |
Coalition pledge | Coalition pledge |
Opinion polls this month suggested a drop in support for the Communists. | |
In Wednesday's vote, three opposition parties hope to join the Communist Party in parliament - the Liberal Party, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Our Moldova Alliance. | In Wednesday's vote, three opposition parties hope to join the Communist Party in parliament - the Liberal Party, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Our Moldova Alliance. |
They have pledged to create a ruling coalition if they collectively gain enough votes. | |
They have also said that they will co-operate with the Communist Party in the new parliament if the "early election is fair, democratic and transparent". | They have also said that they will co-operate with the Communist Party in the new parliament if the "early election is fair, democratic and transparent". |
Mr Voronin's successor will lead the poorest country in Europe - where the average wage is just under $250 (£151) a month - and will inherit an unresolved conflict over the breakaway region of Trans-Dniester. | Mr Voronin's successor will lead the poorest country in Europe - where the average wage is just under $250 (£151) a month - and will inherit an unresolved conflict over the breakaway region of Trans-Dniester. |