Romania held the first round of presidential elections on Sunday (May 4). This European Union and NATO member country had previously held the first round of elections last November, which saw a right-wing candidate winning, but the election results were later cancelled, plunging the country into its most serious political crisis in decades. The outcome of this latest election on Sunday, particularly whether a right-wing candidate will emerge victorious, is being closely watched.
In the first round of elections on Sunday, a total of 11 candidates vied for the presidency. The final round of the presidential election is expected to take place on May 18.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time on Sunday and closed at 9 p.m. According to statistics from the Central Electoral Bureau, by 2 p.m., 5.1 million people (approximately 28.7% of eligible voters) had cast their votes, with 630,000 voters casting their ballots at overseas polling stations.
After the closure of polling stations on Sunday evening, exit poll results will be immediately released. Preliminary election results are expected to be announced later on Sunday.
This is an election of close scrutiny, especially regarding whether right-wing candidate George Simion can win. The 38-year-old Simion opposes providing military assistance to neighboring Ukraine, criticizes the EU leadership, and expresses support for the “Make America Great Again” movement led by the U.S. President.
In pre-election polls, his support was around 30%, significantly ahead of his competitors but falling short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff on May 18.
Romania had previously held the first round of presidential elections on November 24, with right-wing independent candidate Calin Georgescu winning. However, Georgescu was accused of potentially achieving success under Russian interference. The court subsequently ruled the results of this round of voting invalid and cancelled the second round scheduled for December 6. The Romanian court’s decision also drew condemnation from the U.S. government, with Vice President Vance accusing Romanian authorities of cancelling the elections because they did not like the results.
Georgescu is currently under investigation and prohibited from running again, sparking public discontent. His successor, Simion, is leading in opinion polls.
Like many countries in the EU, Romania is experiencing strong anti-establishment sentiments. This is mainly driven by high inflation and living costs, large budget deficits, and economic downturn. Observers state that this downturn has bolstered support for right-wing figures such as Georgescu and Simion.
On Sunday morning, Simion appeared at a polling station in the capital, Bucharest, alongside Georgescu. Simion told reporters, “We are here with one mission only: to restore constitutional order, to restore democracy. I have no other goal than to prioritize the Romanian people.”
Simion’s main competitors are two centrist figures: 65-year-old former Senator Crin Antonescu and 55-year-old Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan. Both candidates support the EU, NATO, and Ukraine.
Antonescu has the support of three parties in the current pro-Western government. He is committed to maintaining Romania’s pro-Western stance. Antonescu stated on Sunday morning that he voted to support “a united Romania, a strong Romania, a dignified Romania.”
Dan is a former anti-corruption activist. He expressed that his vote was for bringing “hope and a fresh start” to Romania, as the country is going through a difficult period.
Former left-wing Prime Minister of Romania, Victor Ponta, has now become a conservative nationalist. He ranks fourth in polls but could emerge as a dark horse in the election.
(This article referenced reports from Reuters and the Associated Press.)