Moldovan Parliament fails to elect president

Moldovan Parliament fails to elect president

May 20 at 13:19
CHISINAU, Moldova - Moldova's Parliament has narrowly failed to elect a president after the opposition boycotted the vote, claiming the April 5 elections were rigged.

Former Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii, a Communist, won 60 votes in Wednesday's ballot _ one short of the 61 needed. Another candidate did not win any votes.

Three opposition parties walked out in protest. The Communists hold 60 seats in the 101-seat legislature.

Parliament will vote again May 28. If it fails to elect a president, Parliament will be dissolved, and early elections will be called.

Moldova was the scene of violent protests that killed at least two people. Police arrested 200 people after the election.