A referendum to determine how Moldova chooses its president may be declared null and void because of low turnout.

Polls had predicted a vote in favour of ditching the present system, under which the head of state is elected by parliament, despite a call by the opposition Communists for a boycott.

But with nearly all votes counted, the Central Election Commission says turnout is around 30 percent, short of the 33 percent required.

Moldova has had no full-time president for 18 months, with the ruling Alliance for European Integration unable to muster enough parliamentary support to install a head of state despite ousting the Communists.

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