Romanians will have to go to the polls again on 6 December to vote in a second round of the presidential elections.

Incumbent President Traian Basescu won 34 percent in today's first round. However he needed 50 percent to ensure a second term in office. His rival in the run off is Mircea Geoana, who won 32 percent of the vote.

It is important for Romania to elect a new president quickly as the country desperately needs to introduce economic reforms.

Last month the economic crisis brought down the government coalition of social democrats and liberal democrats.

A 20-billion-euro aid package by the International Monetary Fund, the EU and the World Bank has been put on hold until a new government is formed. The winner of the run off will name a new prime minister.

Photo: Traian Basescu - ANP