Run off likely in Romanian poll

First Edition

Bucharest (Reuter) - A run-off in Romania's presidential race appeared inevitable yesterday, although preliminary official results placed President Ion Iliescu ahead of his reformist opponent. Mr Iliescu was leading with 47.34 per cent against 31.24 per cent for Emil Constantinescu, the candidate of the opposition Democratic Convention, in last weekend's poll, according to the results which need the endorsement of Romania's Constitutional Court to become final.

A second round of voting will be held next Sunday if neither wins more than 50 per cent. Only a simple majority would then be needed to win.