Moldovan Communists vie with liberals in new poll

CHISINAU (Reuters) - Moldovans chose on Wednesday between the ruling pro-Russian Communists and West-leaning liberals in a vote that also exposed a rift between the country's urban youth and its rural and ethnic minority voters.

Outgoing President Vladimir Voronin said his Communists, in power for eight years, would again come out as winners in the ex-Soviet state's second parliamentary election in less than four months after the election in April prompted violent protests. He said Russia was Moldova's "most sincere friend."

The president's liberal rivals also predicted victory. One leader called for an alliance with a rejuvenated centrist party to end Communist administration of Europe's poorest country.

Wednesday's turnout was higher than in April and had reached the required 33 percent by early afternoon. Ten parties are taking part, with 2,000 polling stations open until 9 p.m. (1800 GMT).

Analyst Bogdan Tirdea said a high turnout could mean change was in the air.

"There is probably reason to believe a united opposition coalition will win more votes than the Communists," he said.

"The Communists always had a stable, reliable electorate. Now you could also say this about the middle class, academics and young people." The Communists want closer ties with Europe, but see Moscow as a "strategic partner." Russia keeps troops in the ex-Soviet state's separatist Transdniestria region and supplies over 90 percent of the nation's energy. It has promised $500 million in loans to help the country in the global crisis.

"The Communists have a good chance because they have done a lot in eight years," said Valentina, 67, in central Chisinau.

The communists won nearly 50 percent of the vote in April, which gave them 60 of the 101 seats against the opposition's 41.

"Down with the Communists! Enough is enough," said Leonid, 54, after voting at a theater in the capital.

The campaign exposed a gap between Voronin's voters in impoverished villages and among ethnic minorities and the mostly young, urban electorate of his opponents who want integration with Europe, where vast numbers of Moldovan migrants work.

Also at stake are ties with Romania, which shares a common language and history with the ex-Soviet state. Relations sank to an unprecedented low under Voronin.

BOTH SIDES CONFIDENT

Voronin cast his ballot at a Chisinau school, where voting was brisk in the summer sunshine.

"Absolutely!" he said, when asked whether the Communists would win.

"I believe that Russia, in these difficult days which our country has had to live through, acted as the most sincere, most devoted friend," he said. "We should never forget this."

Vlad Filat, leader of the opposition Liberal Democratic Party, was also confident: "Tomorrow Moldova will wake up a free and democratic country, it will be the end for the Communists."

Voronin said Romania, whose President Traian Basescu backs the opposition, was partly responsible for their poor ties.

Most of Moldova was once part of Romania and 800,000 residents have applied for or secured Romanian citizenship.

Romania, the president said, "needs again and again to renounce its historical past and other aspects linked to nationalism and ideas of unification."

Polls this time give the Communists 30 percent of the vote or slightly more. The opposition Liberals and Liberal Democrats are forecast to win a combined 20 percent.

The Democratic Party may score up to 10 percent, boosted by new leader Marian Lupu, a Communist defector disenchanted with Voronin. Analysts suggest Lupu could work with the Communists if Voronin quits politics.

Voronin was always due to step down after two terms. His original plan for how to remain the country's dominant political force was thrown into disarray when the opposition twice blocked his designated successor from being elected by parliament.

Under the constitution, he was forced to dissolve the chamber and call the new election.

Voronin had initially hoped to wield power from his new job of parliament speaker after being elected to that post in May, but has not made clear what he plans to do after this election.

(Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)