Bulgarians vote for president ahead of EU entry

SOFIA, Oct 22 (Reuters) Bulgarians trickled out to vote today in elections expected to hand President Georgi Parvanov a second five-year term and help the ruling Socialists consolidate power ahead of European Union entry in 2007.

But, with many voters despondent over continuing poverty and the slowness of reforms, low turnout looked set to force him into a runoff with Volen Siderov, a nationalist whose xenophobic Attack Party has fought against EU entry.

The state electoral committee said only 6.5 per cent of the electorate had cast their ballots by mid-morning. That was in line with polls forecasting a turnout of around 40 per cent. If turnout is below 50 per cent, a runoff between the top two candidates is automatically required a week later.

Parvanov, the stately former head of the ex-communist Socialist Party, has won admiration from many in the Black Sea country of 7.8 million for raising its profile abroad on the way to joining the NATO alliance in 2004 and the EU next year.

''I voted for Georgi Parvanov, because ... he is uniting the nation,'' said Ivan Karagyozov, a 52-year-old publisher.

''It would be humiliating if Siderov runs in the second round.

Europe would not look favourably on Bulgaria.'' An October 19 survey by the state polling agency NPOC indicated the 49-year-old historian had 50.5 per cent support. Siderov was far behind with 23 per cent.

In third, with 18 per cent, was the most popular candidate from Bulgaria's fragmented right-of-centre opposition, former constitutional court head Nedelcho Beronov.

Balloting ends at 2130 hrs IST. First exit polls are expected at 2200 hrs IST, and partial official results shortly after.

UNIFYING FORCE Analysts say Parvanov has used his limited powers, which include the ability to veto laws and appoint cabinets, to become one of the country's most influential figures.

He is seen as the architect of the ruling coalition and the guiding hand keeping the Socialists and their centrists and ethnic-Turkish partners together since divisive 2005 polls.

''I voted for a presidential institution that will represent a unified nation and not be hostage to partisan interests,'' Parvanov said after voting in Sofia.

Although he casts himself as non-partisan, experts say his ties to the Socialists will boost their power if he wins.

Parvanov's critics say he has failed to push successive cabinets to clamp down on high-level corruption and organised crime, and to raise living standards that will be the EU's lowest, with average wages of 160 euros (202 dollar) a month.

Siderov, a former journalist, has tapped into the discontent with inflammatory rhetoric against Bulgaria's minorities and a pledge to organise referendums on policy issues including Washington's plans to use military bases in Bulgaria and Bulgaria's participation in international organisations.

''I will be in the runoff, according to all the forecasts so far,'' Siderov said as he voted in a Sofia suburb. ''This will put many political leaders in a very interesting situation.'' REUTERS DKA BD1625