PINR, Oct.25.- After first round elections in Bulgaria last week, Georgi Parvanov, the incumbent Bulgarian president of the Socialist Party, won 64 percent of the vote. Yet, because less than 50% of registered voters showed up for the polls, a run-off election is necessary. Parvanov's challenger, Volen Siderov, the leader of the nationalist Ataka Party, won approximately 21% of the vote. Nedelcho Beronov, the right-of-center candidate, received almost 12% of the vote.

... Sofia's real challenge, however, will be its accession to the European Union in January 2007. Bulgaria is considered the least prepared country to join the European club, mainly because of its high level of corruption in political and business activities, its violent and strong networks of organized crime, and ...

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SOFIA, Oct.29.- Bulgaria's pro-Western president won an easy victory in a runoff election against a maverick ultranationalist who criticized his successful effort to lead the former communist nation into the European Union, official results showed Monday.
 
Georgi Parvanov won nearly 76% of the vote in Sunday's second-round ballot, a massive victory over his rival, Volen Siderov, who had just over 24%, according to figures announced by the Central Election Commission after 99% of the vote had been tallied.
 
Siderov conceded defeat after the first exit poll results were announced late Sunday. "I lost to a disproportionately strong rival, who enjoyed the backing of almost all other parties," he told reporters.
 
The presidency is a largely ceremonial position, with the real power held by the prime minister and parliament. Still, the president carries moral authority and legislative veto power ...

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