Bulgaria Students Strike Over Elections
Students formed a human chain around Sofia University today and declared a strike over alleged government manipulation of what were billed as Bulgaria’s first free elections in 58 years.
The long-ruling Communists, who have renamed themselves the Socialist Party as they strive to break with a repressive past, appeared headed for a decisive victory in Sunday’s elections.
Leaders of the 16-party Union of Democratic Forces claim a series of election irregularities affected the outcome of Sunday’s first round of balloting.
They rejected the Socialists’ offer to join a governing coalition, and about 60,000 opposition supporters staged a protest rally Monday night.
“Down with the Red Mafia” and “We won’t work for the Reds,” they shouted. Today, demonstrations forced the closure of several downtown roads.
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