Moldova parliament at impasse, fails to elect new president

Moldovan opposition boycott president's election in poll protestChisinau- Moldova's Communist-controlled Parliament failed by one vote to elect a new president Wednesday, continuing the political impasse in the country.

Out of the country's 101 legislators, 60 voted in favour of Communist presidential nominee Zinaida Greceanii, while opposition parties controlling 41 seats boycotted the vote.

Greceanii fell one vote short of the necessary 61-seat majority.

Parliament adjourned for discussions on the next attempt to name a president and other possible candidates, the Infotag news agency reported.

Moldova's capital Chisinau was paralysed in early April by street battles between opposition protestors and police, leaving one dead and hundreds injured.

Demonstrators set afire the presidential administration and Parliament buildings on April 7.

Opposition activists alleged the Communists had fixed the results of the April 5 Parliament elections, a claim contradicted by the Communists and international observers, who said the vote was generally free and fair.

Moldovan opposition leaders have refused to take part in most of parliamentary debates, and have argued the country must repeat parliamentary elections, as the present legislature without their participation cannot select a president.

Moldova's Communists, led by sitting President Vladimir Voronin, have said a defector from opposition will appear in coming weeks to make the election of Voronin's successor possible.