Romanians set to back reformist president in vote

BUCHAREST, May 19 (Reuters) Romanians voted in a referendum today expected to keep reformist President Traian Basescu in power and reinvigorate his anti-corruption drive.

Surveys showed two-thirds of those intending to vote will say ''no'' to parliament's proposal to impeach the plain-talking ex-sea captain.

Many regard Basescu as the symbol of the Balkan country's aspiration to shed its sleazy image.

''I hope he wins. I've got sick of living in a country run by thieves, only Basescu can help us get rid of them,'' said Gabriela Herea, a 66-year-old former teacher as she headed to a polling station in downtown Bucharest.

The first exit polls will come out after voting ends at 8 p m (2230 ist), and official results will follow tomorrow.

Parliament suspended Basescu as president last month and called the impeachment referendum on the grounds he had exceeded his authority and fomented political deadlock in the new European Union nation.

Ex-communist Social Democrats tainted by charges of corruption from their time in power during the 1990s accuse Basescu of using intelligence services to spy on leading politicians.

''All those who are tired of chaos and scandal will vote like me,'' Social Democrat leader Mircea Geoana told reporters as he voted ''yes''.

There is no turnout threshold for the vote to be valid.

Close to 20 per cent had cast their ballots by 1630 ist.

Analysts say that regardless of the scale of his likely victory, a ''people power'' vote for Basescu would be a humiliation for the Social Democrats and Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu whose Liberals backed the impeachment attempt.

ENDEMIC CORRUPTION Corruption is endemic in the ex-communist Black Sea nation, which joined the EU in January on the premise it would continue judicial reforms needed to root out graft.

Soon after EU entry that drive all but stalled and Basescu's allies in government, like respected Justice Minister Monica Macovei and Interior Minister Vasile Blaga, were sacked by Tariceanu.

Diplomats say the European Commission is set to admonish the government in its June progress report, with some saying Romania risks sanctions that could cut aid from the bloc.

Tensions between Basescu, a centrist, and erstwhile ally Tariceanu have been growing steadily.

Basescu accused Tariceanu of shielding a network of corrupt politicians and the new business elites that enriched themselves during transition from communism to a market economy.

Tariceanu denies the charges. He says Basescu has an autocratic style and insatiable ''thirst for power''.

''I voted (''yes'') hoping to prevent a single person ... from monopolising the whole political power in Romania,'' he told reporters after casting his ballot.

Analysts said a Basescu landslide would either push Tariceanu to adopt his foe's anti-corruption agenda, or, if he was intransigent, hurt his chances in the 2008 general election.

''The government will come under permanent attack and it will have to continue with reforms Basescu wants,'' said Cristian Parvulescu, head of Pro-Democracy think-tank in Bucharest. ''He will not be stopped.'' REUTERS NC KP2232