Romanians are voting today in a crucial presidential election, following a political crisis last year when the top court annulled the previous vote over fraud and scandal. The polls are open until 11:30 PM Indian Time.
Today’s election features nationalist George Simion of the AUR party against three main centrist candidates: Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan, liberal Crin Antonescu, and independent Elena Lasconi with seven others are also on the ballot. If no one gets over 50 per cent of the vote, a runoff will be held on May 18.
The outcome is being closely watched by the US, EU, Ukraine, and Russia. Romania plays a vital role in NATO’s defense and supports Ukraine’s war effort through military bases, grain transport, and pilot training.
Over 18,000 polling stations are open in Romania, with nearly 1,000 abroad for the large diaspora. Diaspora votes, especially from countries like Spain, Italy, and the UK, could be decisive.
The November 2024 vote was scrapped after far-right outsider Călin Georgescu came first amid accusations of irregularities. He has been also banned from the presidential election this time.
