Romania's President Traian Basescu, left, exits a voting cabin as his wife Maria, right, stands by, in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. Millions of Romanians braved rain and snow Sunday as they went to the polls for a parliamentary election that center-left government is expected to win a, but the result could lead to more of the political instability that has plagued the impoverished Balkan nation this year. (AP Photo)
Authorities were asking the army and the defense ministry to help clear roads closed by blizzards, and some 250 polling stations were prevented from opening on time, officials said. Though early turnout was low in some areas, it was unclear what kind of effect that might have on the vote.
Many Romanians are fed up with the power struggle between the country's top two leaders, especially as the country remains one of the poorest and most corrupt members of the European Union. Romania is enduring deep austerity cuts in return for a €20-million ($26-million) bailout to help its foundering economy.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta's coalition is expected to win a majority, but his battle with President Traian Basescu threatens to throw the country into a political standoff no matter the outcome.
Basescu must nominate the prime minister, and he has indicated he may not appoint Ponta even if his coalition takes the vote. The two have openly battled since Ponta tried and failed to impeach the center-right Basescu in July
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