WITH 99 per cent of the votes counted in Romania's parliamentary and presidential elections the Opposition Romanian Democratic Convention (PDR) is the winner with 30 per cent of the votes.
It will now be able to form a government with the support of Mr Petre Roman's Social Democratic Union and a smaller party representing the Hungarian minority.
This result spells the end of control of government by the reformed Communists of the Romanian party of Social Democracy (PDSR) and its effective leader and current Romanian President, Mr Ion Iliescu. Mr lliescu was secretary of the Communist party in the Ceausescu regime and was a key figure in the December 89 "Revolution", now widely seen as an insider coup, which overthrew the dictatorship.
However, the PDSR, which won a much reduced 25 per cent of the votes, cannot be ignored. A two thirds majority will be required for the passage of laws which affect the re structuring of the economy and system of government. The new government will have to depend on a degree of goodwill from the PDSR for the fundamental free market reforms it advocates.
This is where Mr Iliescu steps in again. He will compete in the run off presidential elections against CDR candidate, Mr Emil Constantinescu, on November 17th.
Mr Iliescu soundly defeated Mr Constantinescu for the presidency four years ago. Mr Iliescu yesterday said he was now more essential than ever as his influence would be necessary to mediate between the new government land the PDSR.
A CDR led government and a PDSR president is now a farfetched scenario. Mr Iliescu's personal support held up much better than that of his party. He polled 32 per cent to Mr Constantinescu's 28 per cent. Although presiding over a climate of corruption, Mr Iliescu has managed to keep his own hands clean, and has publicly berated his party in recent months for their misdeeds.
Simultaneously, he has cultivated an image as a statesman, associating himself with Romania's very serious moves towards NATO and eventual EU membership.
Mr Emile Constantinescu on the other hand polled slightly below his CDR. His political inexperience frequently embarrasses him, as when he told an American magazine several months ago that he favours the return of the monarchy. He had to back off from this position.
The key to the next government and the presidential race is now Mr Petre Roman and the Social Democratic Union (USD). Although the USD won only 13 per cent of the parliamentary vote Mr Roman's personal vote in the presidential race was slightly above 20 per cent.