Romanians voted yesterday on whether to remove President Traian Basescu from office after parliament accused him of abusing his powers.
Basescu, a former ship's captain and Bucharest mayor, was expected to easily survive the referendum, with polls showing more than 70 percent of Romanians opposed impeachment.
More than 18 million Romanians were eligible to vote, including about 2 million citizens living abroad who could vote in embassies and other locations. Polls opened at 8am and closed at 8pm.
Accompanied by his wife Maria, Basescu voted in downtown Bucharest but made no comment. Romanian broadcasting rules forbid politicians from making comments that could influence the outcome of the election.
However, Mircea Geoana, who heads the opposition Social Democratic Party, which voted to suspend Basescu, told reporters: "I voted for the chance of a new beginning for all those who don't want scandal and chaos and who want to live in ... a democratic Europe ... We need a new president."
A majority of those casting ballots would have to vote against Basescu for him to be removed from office.
The political crisis started with an escalating conflict between Basescu and Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu, a former ally. The two clashed on policy and attacked each other in the media. Last month, Tariceanu expelled several ministers from his Cabinet who were seen as being close to Basescu, including reformist Justice Minister Monica Macovei.
Basescu, who is known for his outspoken style, has also clashed with lawmakers, whom he accused of drafting laws for special interests.
Last month, five ruling and opposition parties ignored a court ruling that he did not abuse his powers and voted in parliament to suspend Basescu, accusing him of violating the constitution.
Romanian law allows parliament to suspend the president, who has limited powers and cannot dissolve parliament or sack the prime minister.
The EU, which Romania joined in January, has been watching nervously as the political disputes threaten to slow critical reforms such as fighting graft and making the justice system more efficient.
Foreign Minister Adrian Cioroianu warned on Friday that Europe's patience with Romania "has a limit," and that after the referendum politicians should stop fighting and "get back to work."
He said there were European issues -- such as the status of Kosovo, the EU's energy policy and the bloc's relations with Russia -- in which Romania could be playing a role instead of expending its energy in domestic disputes.
EU officials have urged the government to ensure anti-corruption reforms continue, with Romania needing to stick closely to a detailed plan approved by the EU Commission when it decided to allow Romania to join the bloc.
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