Romanians went to the polls yesterday in parliamentary and presidential elections that are expected to put leftists back in power and possibly hamper the country's efforts to join the European Union.
Romania is already ranked bottom of the 12 European Union accession candidates and the likely outcome of the poll, seen by most experts as a protest vote against deepening poverty, may further dent its prospects.
The elections are also likely to underline the rise of ultra-nationalist candidates like Mr Corneliu Vadim Tudor, a flamboyant far-right figure favouring tough law-and-order policies, who turned up to vote on a grey day wearing oversize sunglasses.
Veteran ex-communist Mr Ion Iliescu's Party of Social Democracy (PDSR), voted out of power four years ago, appeared poised to regain control of the two-chamber parliament. Mr Iliescu is expected to be forced into a run-off with the second highest vote-winner.
His nearest opponents, running almost neck-and-neck at 18 to 20 per cent in the polls, are independent Prime Minister Mr Mugur Isarescu, liberal Mr Theodor Stolojan and Mr Tudor.
The rise of Mr Tudor is seen as further proof of people's frustration and despair.
"I voted for Tudor. He will bring order to this country," said Mr Aurelian Iancu, a 31year-old teacher.
Mr Anton Pascu, a former army officer, echoed this view. "He might not do wonders but what the hell - let's give him a chance." he said.
Exit polls by the INSOMAR institute last night showed Mr Iliescu leading the election with 36.1 per cent of the vote. Mr Tudur was running second with 27.5 per cent.