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Voting begins in Romania run-off Close finish in Romania run-off
(about 15 hours later)
Voting is under way in Romania in the second round of the country's presidential election. Former Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana is narrowly ahead of President Traian Basescu in the presidential run-off, according to exit polls.
Centre-right President Traian Basescu ended the first round narrowly ahead of the leader of the Social Democratic Party, Mircea Geoana. The CURS poll says Mr Geoana, the leader of the Social Democrats, secured 50.8% of the vote against Mr Basescu's 49.2%. The margin of error was 1%.
However, opinion polls suggest Mr Geoana goes into the second round as the clear favourite. However, both contenders claimed victory after Sunday's vote.
The election campaign has been fought against a backdrop of a serious economic crisis in Romania. The election campaign has been fought against the backdrop of a serious economic crisis in Romania.
But it has also been marred by personal attacks and allegations, says the BBC's Eastern Europe correspondent Nick Thorpe. It has also been marred by personal attacks and allegations, says the BBC's Nick Thorpe.
A final televised debate between the two men degenerated into farce, as both appeared to be caught telling less than the truth, having sworn an oath on the Bible, our correspondent says. A final televised debate between centre-right President Basescu and Mr Geoana degenerated into farce, as both appeared to be caught telling less than the truth, having sworn an oath on the Bible, our correspondent says.
One of the key roles of the next president will be to appoint a prime minister, as Romania has been led by a caretaker government since October.One of the key roles of the next president will be to appoint a prime minister, as Romania has been led by a caretaker government since October.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has delayed the payment of part of a bail-out loan because of the current lack of effective government in Romania.The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has delayed the payment of part of a bail-out loan because of the current lack of effective government in Romania.
Analysts say corruption is still widespread, nearly three years after the country joined the EU.Analysts say corruption is still widespread, nearly three years after the country joined the EU.
Polls close at 2100 (1900 GMT).