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Close finish in Romania run-off Close finish in Romania run-off
(about 2 hours later)
Former Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana is narrowly ahead of President Traian Basescu in the presidential run-off, according to exit polls.Former Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana is narrowly ahead of President Traian Basescu in the presidential run-off, according to exit polls.
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%. Three exit polls say Mr Geoana, the leader of the Social Democrats, won just over 50% of the votes, leading Mr Basescu by between 1%-3%.
However, both contenders claimed victory after Sunday's vote.However, both contenders claimed victory after Sunday's vote.
The election campaign has been fought against the backdrop of a serious economic crisis in Romania. The result of the election is still too close to call, says the BBC's Central Europe correspondent Nick Thorpe.
It has also been marred by personal attacks and allegations, says the BBC's Nick Thorpe. "We won together. Our victory is the victory of all Romanians who want a better life," Mr Geoana told his jubilant supporters in Bucharest after the polls closed at 2100 local time (1900 GMT).
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. "This is a beautiful night for Romanian democracy," he said.
Centre-right President Basescu also claimed victory, saying exit polls were deceptive.
"I won. I assure you that... the correct polls showed that I was ahead of Mircea Geoana," he said.
"My voters need to stay calm and convinced that the counting of votes cannot be subject to fraud," he added.
Higher turnout
The exit polls' predictions are based on voter research up to 1700 local time (1500 GMT), our correspondent says.
During the first round two weeks ago there was a last-minute flurry of voting, and estimates suggest turnout will be higher than the 54% who cast their ballots then. Votes from Romanians abroad could also influence the outcome.
First official results are expected on Monday.
The election campaign was fought against the backdrop of a serious economic crisis in Romania. It has also been marred by personal attacks and allegations.
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.