2ND Bulgarian President Parvanov wins another term

dpa German Press Agency
Published: Sunday October 29, 2006

Sofia- The incumbent Georgi Parvanov pounded his populist challenger in a presidential election runoff Sunday to secure another term in the office - but amid a hugely apathetic electorate. According to preliminary figures, Parvanov, 48, claimed 78 of the ballots cast and the ultra-nationalist Volen Siderov 22 per cent. The figures were in line with predictions.

"The result was expected, because we were better," he said as celebrations kicked off in his election headquarters.

Last week, the advance of the ultra-nationalist Siderov - who never disguised his dislike of the minorities, of globalization, EU and NATO - had sent shockwaves through the political mainstream.

The Socialist Party leader and Premier Sergey Stanishev said Sunday that the presidential election was a "referendum in favour of Bulgaria's EU membership."

The turnout was however even lower than in the first round, reaching 41.11 per cent of the 6.4 million - less than in any other presidential poll since Communism fell in Bulgaria in 1989.

So after they effectively buried the conservative bloc last week by abstaining and allowing Siderov through, nearly six out of every 10 Bulgarians were still unmoved by either the Socialist Parvanov, or the far-right Siderov.

Unlike in the first round, though, in which a better-than-half of the electorate was required to vote for a decision, the turnout played no role in the runoff, allowing Parvanov's victory.

Less than 43 per cent voted in the first round.

Parvanov, 49, with Vice-president Angel Marin on his ticket, became the first democratically re-elected Bulgarian head of state, a well-respected but yet largely ceremonial function.

After formally leading his country to NATO membership two years ago, Parvanov is now also set to lead it to the European Union on January 1.

The final official results of the election are to be announced Tuesday.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency