Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday, May 5, 2025, for the first round of a presidential election, following the Constitutional Court’s annulment of the 2024 vote due to foreign interference.

Nearly 18 million eligible voters cast ballots at polling stations open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time (0400-1800 GMT).

The re-run was triggered by the court’s December 2024 ruling, which voided the November-December presidential race, citing a foreign-backed campaign, allegedly involving Russian manipulation, that favored far-right candidate Calin Georgescu. The decision reset the electoral process, halting a scheduled runoff after Georgescu’s narrow lead in the initial vote.

Over 400,000 Romanians abroad had voted by late Saturday, with polling for expatriates beginning Friday. Eleven candidates are now vying for the presidency, with polls indicating right-wing candidate George Simion as the frontrunner. A second round is expected if no candidate secures a majority.

The election is seen as a pivotal moment for Romania, amid concerns over foreign influence and democratic integrity. Official results are anticipated in the coming days. (ILKHA)