Moldovans to vote in poll re-run

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Moldovans are due to vote in a parliamentary election shortly, 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 latest vote is being held because the Communist Party failed to gain the majority needed to elect a president.

Opposition parties boycotted the votes to elect a replacement for outgoing President Vladimir Voronin.

Polling stations will be opened from 0700 to 2100 local time (0400-1800 GMT) on Wednesday.

After the April result, thousands of citizens 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 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.

Polls this month suggested a drop in support for the Communists, giving them about 30% compared with just under 50% in April, Reuters news agency reports

Coalition pledge

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.

Polls suggested that the Liberals and Liberal Democrats would win a combined total of some 20%.

Other smaller parties are unlikely to gain enough votes for a seat.

The opposition parties 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".

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.