Bulgaria's pro-Western president appeared headed to an easy victory in a runoff election Sunday against a maverick ultranationalist who criticized his successful effort to lead the former communist nation into the European Union, according to an exit poll.
The poll by the National Center for Public Opinion Research said nearly four-fifths of voters backed incumbent Georgi Parvanov and the rest supported Volen Siderov.
Siderov conceded defeat after the first exit poll results were announced. "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.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061029/ap_on_re_eu/bulgaria_election
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