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Moldovan opposition rejects presidential election outcome, continues protests

The Moldovan parliament elected Nicolae Timofti, 63, for president on Friday with 62 votes

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

CHISINAU, March 16 (Itar-Tass) —— The opposition Party of Communists does not recognize the Moldovan presidential election results and plans to continue protests, party leader, former Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin said on Friday.

“We deny recognition to this election and this parliament. This is not our president. The protests will continue, and you will learn about our plans soon,” Voronin said.

He urged his supporters to suspend protest rallies until May 1, when the Communists planned to gather a civil congress.

The opposition marched down along the central street of Chisinau but did not picket the parliament building where deputies had already elected the president and ended the session. The authorities held the presidential election at 10:00 a.m. instead of 5:00 p.m. to anticipate opposition actions.

The Moldovan parliament elected Nicolae Timofti, 63, for president on Friday with 62 votes, including those of deputies led by ex-Vice-Premier Igor Dodon. No less than 61 votes were necessary to make the election valid. The opposition Party of Communists boycotted the parliament meeting.

The election put an end to the protracted political crisis in Moldova.

Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland welcomed the election of the new Moldovan president.

"Now that the President is elected, it is time to fulfill the promises of economic and social reforms, to improve the rule of law and to ensure an efficient judiciary. The Council of Europe will continue to support Moldova with its reforms”, said Jagland.

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