Romanians Vote in Presidential Rerun Amid Fraud Allegations

Romania is holding a rerun of its presidential election after the Constitutional Court annulled the results of last November’s vote due to campaign fraud and alleged Russian interference. The far-right, nationalist candidate George Simion from the AUR party is now considered the front-runner, building support from anti-establishment sentiment and public anger over economic issues and Romania’s foreign policy. The previous winner, pro-Russian Calin Georgescu, has been banned from running again and is under investigation, yet Simion has expressed intent to seek 'justice' for him if elected. Other key contenders include centrist candidates Nicusor Dan, Crin Antonescu, and Elena Lasconi, all of whom support Romania’s pro-Western orientation. With eleven candidates in the race and none likely to secure an outright majority, a second-round run-off is expected on May 18. The election outcome is seen as pivotal for Romania’s democratic direction and its stance within the EU and NATO.