Communists seek to secure power in Moldova

By Sabina Zawadzki

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Outgoing Moldovan Communist President Vladimir Voronin hopes to hold onto the reins of power on Thursday when a loyal protegee makes a last bid to secure the succession in a vote by parliament.

A second failure by Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii, a Voronin loyalist, to win the presidency would trigger new parliamentary elections a month after polls marred by violent protests and opposition accusations of communist vote rigging.

The result may be close, Greceanii having lacked just one vote last week.

Voronin, presiding over a largely agricultural economy in Europe's poorest country, has served two terms as president and cannot stand for a third. But he has made clear he wants to remain in a position of power in the ex-Soviet state, through his handpicked candidate.

Parliament elected Voronin, 67, as its speaker two weeks ago, furnishing him with the formal foothold he needs. Some have suggested he may play a role similar to that of Russia's former president Vladimir Putin, who as prime minister exerts influence alongside his chosen successor Dmitry Medvedev.

The economy of Moldova, wedged between Ukraine and Romania, has suffered acutely from the world economic downturn, as remittances from Moldovans working abroad have tumbled. The country also faces an intractable conflict in Transdniestria, a strip of land bordering Ukraine whose Russian-speakers separated from Moldova in Soviet times.

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Three opposition parties, liberal and pro-European in outlook, hold a combined total of 41 seats in the 60-seat parliament. They say the April 5 election to parliament was fraudulent and intend to boycott Thursday's ballot again.