Romanian Social Democrat Presidential Candidate Votes To End Political Feuds

„After five years of clashes, Romanians have the power to decide on things that are really important: the economic crisis, creation of jobs, economic revival,” Geoana said, adding he hopes the end of the day will bring good news to Romanians.

Geoana said he also voted in the referendum to downsize parliament, although he dismissed it as an electoral trick, saying he proposed to lower the number of lawmakers ever since September 2005.

Geoana also called on state institutions to ensure free and fair elections 20 years after the fall of communism.

The social democrat candidate called on people to come vote because the stake of this election is higher and goes beyond a person or a party.

„This is the most important election in Romania’s democratic history as Romania is now vulnerable because of the crisis and is marked by five years of brawl and division,” Geoana said.

Voter turnouts at elections in Romania have decreased significantly from over 80% in 1990 to less than 30% in European Parliament elections this summer.

Geoana, head of the Social Democratic Party, is seen as the main opponent of incumbent President Traian Basescu in this election. Geoana’s social democrats and Basescu’s democrat liberals were at a tie of around 30% of the votes in last year’s parliamentary election.