BUCHAREST, Romania, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Romanians are voting Sunday to choose a new president and a new parliament, the fifth free election in nation's post-communist era.
Turnout seemed moderate in spite of a tumultuous campaign, with 43 percent of registered voters having cast their ballot by 5PM. Observers expected an above 50 percent turnout by the end of the day.
Some 17,500 polling stations have been set up to accommodate 17 million voters, with another 200 stations in Romania's diplomatic missions abroad, where around 100,000 are expected to vote. In the United States about 20 polling stations have been set up at the Romania's Embassy in Washington, and consulates around the country.
Observers monitoring process in the capital Bucharest, and other towns have reported no significant irregularities so far.
Current Prime Minister Adrian Nastase, and Traian Basescu, Bucharest's mayor, are the main contenders in the presidential race. Only 5 percent separates them according to the latest opinion poll released before the end of the campaign.
In the parliamentary election, the Social Democrats, led by Nastase, are also likely to win, over the center-right alliance of Liberals and Democrats, grouped around Basescu.
Outgoing president Ion Iliescu, the founder of Social Democratic Party, called for "continuity."
Nastase's government has been criticized for widespread corruption in spite of progress made by Romania. Basescu, although an outspoken critic of corruption is viewed as unpredictable, given his lack of diplomatic experience, and his irreverence towards both his foes and friends.
This is the fifth free election held in Romania since the overthrow of Nicolai Ceausescu in December 1989. The Social Democrats have been in power for most of the 15-year period, except for the 1996-2000 term, when a center-right coalition ruled the country.
First preliminary results are expected after the polling stations close at 9PM local time. (06.00 PM GMT).
