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Bulgaria set to elect president Bulgaria president poll under way
(about 2 hours later)
Polls are due to open in Bulgaria in the country's presidential election. The polls have opened open in Bulgaria in the country's presidential election.
President Georgi Parvanov is expected to win a second five-year term, but will probably face a run-off.President Georgi Parvanov is expected to win a second five-year term, but will probably face a run-off.
Opinion polls suggest Mr Parvanov could win 50% of the vote, but the predicted turnout is way below the required half of the electorate for outright victory.Opinion polls suggest Mr Parvanov could win 50% of the vote, but the predicted turnout is way below the required half of the electorate for outright victory.
In a second round, he is likely to face Volen Siderov, leader of the nationalist Ataka party, who according to the polls is in second place.In a second round, he is likely to face Volen Siderov, leader of the nationalist Ataka party, who according to the polls is in second place.
Mr Parvanov's other main rival is Nedelcho Beronov, former chairman of the constitutional court and presidential candidate of the centre-right.Mr Parvanov's other main rival is Nedelcho Beronov, former chairman of the constitutional court and presidential candidate of the centre-right.
Although Bulgaria elects its president by direct vote, most power rests with the prime minister and parliament.Although Bulgaria elects its president by direct vote, most power rests with the prime minister and parliament.
The president, however, has veto powers and can send bills back to parliament. He is also head of the armed forces and represents the country abroad.The president, however, has veto powers and can send bills back to parliament. He is also head of the armed forces and represents the country abroad.
Secret policeSecret police
Mr Parvanov, who was elected president in 2001, is a former socialist leader.Mr Parvanov, who was elected president in 2001, is a former socialist leader.
He played a major role in reforming his party following the severe economic crisis and hyperinflation in 1996, which forced the then socialist government to resign.He played a major role in reforming his party following the severe economic crisis and hyperinflation in 1996, which forced the then socialist government to resign.
Earlier this year, Mr Parvanov admitted that he had worked with the former secret police, although he himself had never been an agent.Earlier this year, Mr Parvanov admitted that he had worked with the former secret police, although he himself had never been an agent.
He has been a strong supporter of Bulgaria's EU membership bid. The country is set to join the EU on 1 January 2007.He has been a strong supporter of Bulgaria's EU membership bid. The country is set to join the EU on 1 January 2007.
Last year, Mr Parvanov helped in the formation of the socialist-led governing coalition after inconclusive general elections.Last year, Mr Parvanov helped in the formation of the socialist-led governing coalition after inconclusive general elections.
The prolonged negotiations threatened to delay key reforms and postpone Bulgaria's EU accession.The prolonged negotiations threatened to delay key reforms and postpone Bulgaria's EU accession.