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Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov looks on during a press conference in Sofia November 18, 2001. Several exit polls published immediately after voting ended in Bulgaria's second round presidential election showed Socialist Party leader Georgi Parvanov ahead of incumbent Stoyanov by a thread. REUTERS/Oleg Popov

A supporter of Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) holds a poster of the party's leader and presidential candidate Georgi Parvanov with the text, "The New President" in Sofia November 18, 2001. Several exit polls published immediately after voting ended in Bulgaria's second round presidential election showed Parvanov ahead of incumbent Petar Stoyanov by a thread. REUTERS/Dimitar Dilkoff

A supporter of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) holds a poster of the party's leader and presidential candidate Georgi Parvanov with the text, "The New President" in Sofia November 18, 2001. Several exit polls published immediately after voting ended in Bulgaria's second round presidential election showed Parvanov ahead of incumbent Petar Stoyanov by a thread. REUTERS/Dimitar Dilkoff

Bulgaria's President Petar Stoyanov, right, shakes hands with supporters during presidential runoff elections on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001 in front of one of Sofia's polling stations. Bulgarians will elect a president in a tight race between incumbent Stoyanov and Socialist party leader Georgi Parvanov. (AP Photo/Dimitar Deinov

Georgi Parvanov, the leader of ex-communist Socialist Party (BSP) and presidential candidate speaks during a press conference in Sofia on November 18, 2001. Several exit polls published immediately after voting ended in Bulgaria's second round presidential election showed Parvanov ahead of incumbent Petar Stoyanov by a thread. REUTERS/Oleg Popov

Georgi Parvanov, the leader of ex-communist Socialist Party and presidential candidate waves in celebration of election results prior his press conference in Sofia on November 18, 2001. Several exit polls published immediately after voting ended in Bulgaria's second round presidential election showed Parvanov ahead of incumbent Petar Stoyanov by a thread. REUTERS/Oleg Popov

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Simeon Saxcoburggotski casts his ballot during presidential runoff elections Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001, at one of Sofia's polling stations. Bulgarians will elect a president in a tight race between incumbent President Petar Stoyanov and Socialist party leader Georgi Parvanov. Parvanov, a Socialist leader credited with efforts to reform his previously communist party was likely to become Bulgaria's next president, according to provisional results from Sunday's runoff ballot. (AP Photo)

Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg leaves the polling booth before voting in the village of Gorubliane, in the suburbs of the capital Sofia on November 18, 2001. Bulgarians voted for a new president on Sunday in a neck-and-neck run-off between incumbent Petar Stoyanov and Georgi Parvanov, leader of the opposition ex-communist Socialist Party. The graffiti on the booth reads, "to the polling booth". REUTERS/Oleg Popov

Georgi Parvanov, the leader of ex-communist Socialist Party and presidential candidate holds a plastic cup with champagne as he celebrates election results with well-wishers in Sofia November 18, 2001. Several exit polls published immediately after voting ended in Bulgaria's second round presidential election showed Socialist Party leader Georgi Parvanov ahead of incumbent Petar Stoyanov by a thread. REUTERS/Oleg Popov

Bulgaria's President Petar Stoyanov leaves a polling booth during presidential runoff elections Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001, at one of Sofia's polling stations. Bulgarians will elect a president in a tight race between incumbent Stoyanov and Socialist party leader Georgi Parvanov. (AP Photo/Dimitar Deinov)

Bulgaria's President Petar Stoyanov casts his ballot during a presidential runoff election Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001, at one of Sofia's polling stations. Bulgarians will elect a president in a tight race between incumbent Stoyanov and Socialist party leader Georgi Parvanov. (AP Photo/Dimitar Deinov)

Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov leaves the polling booth in Sofia on November 18, 2001. Bulgarians voted in the country's closest ever presidential run-off on Sunday that pits incumbent Petar Stoyanov against Socialist Party leader Georgi Parvanov. REUTERS/Zhivko Angelov

The leader of Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and presidential candidate Georgi Parvanov (C) speaks to the media in front of the polling station in Sofia on November 18, 2001. Bulgarians voted in the country's closes ever presidential run-off on Sunday that pits incumbent Petar Stoyanov against Socialist Party leader Georgi Parvanov. REUTERS/Oleg Popov

The leader of Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and presidential candidate Georgi Parvanov casts his ballot in Sofia on November 18, 2001. Bulgarians voted in the country's closes ever presidential run-off on Sunday that pits incumbent Petar Stoyanov against Socialist Party leader Georgi Parvanov. REUTERS/Oleg Popov REUTERS

Georgi Parvanov, the leader of Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and presidential candidate, casts his ballot in Sofia November 18, 2001. Bulgarians voted in the country's closes ever presidential run-off on Sunday that pits incumbent Petar Stoyanov against Socialist Party leader Georgi Parvanov. REUTERS/Dimitar Dilkoff

Georgi Parvanov, the leader of the Bulgarian Socialist Party, casts his ballot during the presidential runoff elections Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001 at one of Sofia's polling stations. Bulgarians will elect a president in a tight race between incumbent President Petar Stoyanov and Socialist party leader Georgi Parvanov. (AP Photo)

Georgi Parvanov, the leader of Bulgarian Socialist Party and presidential candidate leaves a polling booth during the presidential runoff Sunday, Nov. 18, 2001 at one of Sofia's polling stations. Bulgarians will elect a president in a tight race between incumbent President Petar Stoyanov and Socialist party leader Georgi Parvanov. (AP Photo)

An elderly Bulgarian woman casts her ballot in Sofia on November 18, 2001. Bulgarians voted for a new president on Sunday in a neck-and neck run-off between incumbent Petar Stoyanov and Georgi Parvanov, leader of the opposition ex-communist Socialist Party. REUTERS/Dimitar Dilkoff

Bulgaria Has New President. Bulgarian Socialist party presidential candidate Georgi Parvanov talks to the media at a press conference after his victory in the second round of the presidential elections in Bulgaria, November 18. EPA

Standartnews

A dialogue is needed between the parties, institutions and people, business is an indispensable partner of the state.

Georgi Parvanov
on the election night of November 18, 2001

Dear fellow-countrymen, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me to extend my sincere gratitude to all who supported our candidate presidential pair. Thanks to all who listened to us and understood us. I also thank those who cast their vote in favor of my major opponent Mr Peter Stoyanov. I respect that vote. I respect it because differences should be respected in a democratic society. Both at the first round and now too, I express my deep understanding of the lesson taught by the large number of people who didn't vote. This is a warning to all who are in power. To the entire political elite. This state of affairs involves several very important things. In the first place, the institutions have to put on the agenda the problems of the ordinary Bulgarian citizen. Secondly, in seeking out viable decisions the dialogue between the parties, institutions, civilian structures should be resumed. I would like to extend my gratitude to the MRF not only for the number of votes. To me what counted was the moral, political support which I regard as an investment in our common future, in the future of the socio-liberal model. As early as the beginning of the evening, the discussion was started on whose the victory was. Whether it goes to Parvanov and Marin, whether to the BSP and the left, or to coalition 'For Bulgaria'. To me, it's a victory of Bulgaria, it's a victory of the ideas of Bulgaria's new resurrection. I would like to explicitly stress that I look upon entrepreneurs, on the overall private business - small, medium or big, Bulgarian and foreign alike, not as an opponent and enemy, but as a needed partner of the Bulgarian state. The possibilities for party-administrative racket to the Bulgarian and foreign business should be done away with. In future too, in my capacity of the head of state I will work towards the implementation of the strategic choice of Bulgaria - our EU and NATO membership. I'll work jointly with vice-president Mr Marin, with our entire team, for meeting the criteria and requirements of the EU and NATO. However, I shall have to say it absolutely frankly - there can't be any big-bang enlargement. The accession pace will depend on how successful we'll be in doing our work here, in Bulgaria. I'll rely on an active Balkans policy which renounces geopolitical axes, bilateral agreements at the expense of a third country.

(SB)

Standartnews

I assume the entire responsibility for the election loss, let Bulgarians live better in the following 5 years.

Petar Stoyanov at the election night on November 18, 2001.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
As the rules of the political honour require, I want to congratulate Mr Georgi Parvanov first with the win in the elections and to wish him to lead Bulgaria forward in his 5-year tenure. Let everything, he pledged during the campaign, come true. Let the Bulgarians live better in the following 5 years and let Bulgaria find itself where this country belongs: in the EU and the North-Atlantic Treaty. I wish it to Mr Parvanov from all my heart, because I wish it to Bulgaria. I want to thank all the Bulgarian citizens who cast their ballots at these elections, for it is my profound belief that this is the way to make democracy - by ballot. If possible, I would hug everyone of you. And I would say to everyone that this also happens in politics. I ask you to please, excuse me for not giving you the victory all of you deserve. Tonight I want to tell you also, with complete consciousness and responsibility, that it is me who actually assumes the responsibility for the loss in the elections.

(ML)

INTERVIEW Standartnews: The President Petar Stoyanov

Peter Stoyanov voted at 10 a.m. in 'Darvenitza'

It's too early for me to pack my luggage. I hope nobody will question the election results. I'm sure that whatever there is to happen will happen. Even if the difference is one vote, you are a president of all Bulgarians. There was such a precedent in the USA.

- What did you think on Saturday about, Mr. Stoyanov?

- I didn't hesitate for whom to vote, but I thought about many other things - what is in store for Bulgaria in the following months and years. If the elections are important, things that are to come after that are much more important.

- What did you vote for?

- Bulgaria to forget hesitant policy for ever, it's no use going from one extreme to the other, we must keep continuity and predictability in all actions, and future success should be based on the achievements of our predecessors.

Elena Staridolska
(PY)

INTERVIEW Standartnews: Georgi Parvanov

Georgi Parvanov voted in 'Krasna polyana' residential complex at 11.00 a.m.

- Mr Parvanov, what did you dream last night?

- I slept soundly, but I don't remember what I dreamt. And I don't care. I'm no fatalist.

- If the election turnout is under 50% will you feel as president of all Bulgarians?

- Regardless of the result, I'll put my every effort to consolidate the nation after the election result is made known.

- What is in store for Bulgaria in the coming 5 years?

- I hope it will be a more stable road, a more active social policy, a more committed foreign policy.

- Have you got an idea of the team you'll have to form as president?

- It's too early to think of the team. Let me win and only then will I give it a thought.

Nadelina Aneva
(SB)

INTERVIEW Standartnews: Simeon Saxecoburggothski

It is not quite rational to drive two cars for 300 km, PM Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha said. He returned from the USA at 1.40 p.m.

- Good afternoon, Mr Premier. Will you cast your ballot?

- We paid a successful visit. A very interesting one. We did a fine job. Everything was very well prepared. I'm really satisfied. My schedule was extremely busy. And I'm quite tired. Logical, isn't it?

- Does it mean you are not voting?

- If you are interested so much, I'll answer you. I have to cast my ballot in the village of Banya, because I'm registered in the polling station there. But I do not think it very rational to drive two cars for some 300 km. Such expences are unjustified. I've voiced my stand on these elections.

- Your vote may turn to be crucial.

- God grant, this to be not true. But I think as well that thus I'll be able to do much of the work, waiting for me on my coming back.

- But it may turn to be a precedent... Does it mean you withdraw your support for Peter Stoyanov?

- Please, let's be serious. What do you want - things just happen, don't they?

- Do you believe it to be a good sign for the voters?

- If the voters have not already gone to the polling booths... Well, the only thing I can do is to encourage them to cast their ballots.

- How would you encourage them, if you yourself do not vote?

- You are right, this is the example I'm setting. We should view things in a positive way and not to seek precedents at all costs. There are force majeure situations and I think, this is the way we could understand each other. Really, it is a shame, I think, if my entire visit and the efforts I've made for the sake of Bulgaria, are reduced to such a trifling.

- Will you have some rest?

- The schedule was very busy, really. I got tired, but I'm not going on leave. As the saying goes, we all will rest in the grave.

Evgeni Genov

INTERVIEW Standartnews: Simeon Saxecoburggothski

Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha after voting:

- Mr Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, why did you say at 1.30 p.m. that you were not to vote, and 4 hours later you changed your mind?

- I said I was not to vote in the village of Banya. We had a certificate, issued several days ago. We wanted to see why Mr Stanchov was not permitted to vote with such a certificate. After I was assured that everything was all right, we came here. This certificate was issued three days ago. We wanted to check it up to avoid any confusion.

- How did they issue this document? Is it not a breach, isn't the document antedated?

- No, it is not. Anyone can check it. I do not play with such things. Thank heavens, I did it. It rejoices my heart for thus unnecessary polemics will be avoided. Imagine me saying that I would come here to cast my ballot and it turned out to be impossible, what a scandal would have flared.

- How will you comment on the turnout?

- It could be better, higher.

- Why didn't you get the certification earlier?

- Because I had to go to Banya. I was abroad. It is difficult to do two things at a time, being overseas.

- Are you happy you managed to vote?

- And how! I'm sorry to disturb you twice.

- Many of your followers gave up voting, after they understood, that you were not to vote.

- I think, if they wanted to vote, they did it until 1.00 or 2.00 p.m.. They hardly pay any attention to this mess.

- There is still an hour left.

- Still better, let them vote now

Milena Orozova

BBC

Parvanov - the first Socialist to be elected president.

Bulgarian Socialist leader Georgi Parvanov has defeated incumbent Petar Stoyanov in the country's presidential elections.

Exit polls say Mr Parvanov, a 44-year-old ex-communist, received more than 50% of the vote in Sunday's second round, with Mr Stoyanov trailing behind by at least two points.

Mr Stoyanov conceded, saying he took full responsibility for his defeat.

First reports said voter turn-out was slightly up from the record low of 41% recorded in the first round last weekend.

Mr Parvanov's campaign was boosted by support from the party representing Bulgaria's ethnic Turks.

Correspondents say his victory reflects a growing demand for change among Bulgarians disillusioned by years of economic hardship since the fall of communism.

"For me it is a victory for the whole of Bulgaria, a victory of an idea of a revival of Bulgaria which reflects people's desire for a profound change," the Socialist leader said.

Stoyanov: Popularity dented by a heated campaign.

Unexpected success

Mr Parvanov narrowly led the current president after the first round with just over 36% of the vote.

His party's share at the parliamentary elections in June was just 18%, and he had not been expected to make the run-off.

He was further boosted by support from a party representing Bulgaria's 800,000 ethnic Turks and from Roma organisations.

Mr Stoyanov has remained reasonably popular over the last few years despite the waning fortunes of his former party, the Union of Democratic Forces.

But a heated campaign dented his popularity, and he was forced to admit that economic difficulties had cost him support.

"It is difficult for me to convince people that I have succeeded as president when their lives are poor," he said after the first round.

Figurehead

The post of president in Bulgaria is largely ceremonial, but is important for the country's international image.

The victory was the party's first presidential win since the fall of communism, with anti-communists Zhelio Zhelev and Mr Stoyanov elected in 1992 and 1996 respectively.

But Mr Parvanov will have to co-exist with a government led by Bulgaria's former king - Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha - who backed Mr Stoyanov in the election.

The result is likely to be seen as a sign of discontent with the pace of the prime minister's reforms.

Reuters

By Anatoly Verbin

SOFIA (Reuters) - Bulgarians vented their frustrations over poverty and corruption by ousting President Petar Stoyanov on Sunday and electing a former Communist in his place.

The winning vote for Socialist Party leader Georgi Parvanov, 44, brought to an end a bizarre election year in which Bulgaria's last king -- thrown out by the communists in 1946 -- was returned by an overwhelming majority as prime minister in mid-June.

Stoyanov, 49, conceded defeat in a close run-off vote late on Sunday, ending a meteoric career which had started when he shot from obscurity to the presidency in 1996.

``My biggest pain is for the people who voted for me. We were just one step away from victory and I am sure they feel very dramatic about this loss,'' Stoyanov told reporters.

A triumphant Parvanov, head of the former Communist Party, said he was ready to work with the government of former King Simeon II -- now Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg -- and pursue Bulgaria's aims of joining NATO and the European Union.

The president has limited powers in the Balkan parliamentary republic but he is Bulgaria's face abroad.

``I will work for Bulgaria's strategic goals -- European Union and NATO membership,'' he told a news conference.

``I think it is also extremely important to revive Bulgaria's relations with Russia, Ukraine and other strategic partners,'' he added.

Bulgaria hopes to join the EU in 2006 and is also seeking an invitation next year to join NATO.

``PRESIDENT OF ALL BULGARIANS''

``I will be a president of all Bulgarians irrespective of their ethnicity, religion or political affiliations,'' Parvanov pledged.

Simeon Saxe-Coburg, 64, a former businessman who is related to Britain's Queen Elizabeth, won a resounding June victory from an electorate disillusioned with a bi-polar political model of socialists and the center-right UDF party, which had governed since 1997.

Communist dictator Todor Zhivkov was ousted in November 1989, the month the Berlin Wall fell. The Communists, restyled as the Socialist Party, won the first democratic parliamentary election the next year.

Stoyanov had appeared set for re-election, with the support of the UDF and the prime minister, when he declared his candidacy five months ago. But in the first voting round a week ago, Parvanov edged him out with 36 to 35 percent.

``I bear full responsibility for the election defeat. Probably I have made a lot of mistakes, and my mistakes must have been too big, so I have such a result now,'' Stoyanov said.

``That's political reality -- there are wins and there are defeats. I have seen them both.''

Parvanov has succeeded in striking a balance between reforming the former Communist Party into a modern social democratic party -- which he has headed since 1996 -- and keeping its core electorate of elderly ex-communists satisfied.

He hired a popular young film and TV scriptwriter as an image maker who directed a colorful campaign aimed at building Parvanov a new and modern image as a social democrat. His hobbies include the cinema, jogging and playing soccer.

While Saxe-Coburg's movement backed Stoyanov, its junior government coalition partner, the ethnic Turkish Movement for Freedoms and Rights, supported Parvanov.