BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are participating in a significant presidential election redo on Sunday, following an annulled vote last year that plunged the country into its worst political crisis in decades. This election is critical for Romania, which is a member of the European Union and NATO, and aims to restore stability in the political landscape.
Eleven candidates are competing for the presidency, with polls opening at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) and closing at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT). Romanians living abroad have been casting their votes since Friday. A runoff is anticipated to take place on May 18, should no candidate secure an outright majority.
The political turmoil in Romania began when a top court annulled the previous election, where far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerged as the frontrunner. This decision was fueled by allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference, which the Kremlin has denied. This annulment not only ignited public resentment but also raised questions about the integrity of Romania’s electoral processes.
Current conditions in Romania reveal a backdrop of high inflation, cost of living challenges, and economic stagnation, which have heightened anti-establishment feelings. These sentiments have seemingly bolstered support for nationalist and far-right candidates like Georgescu, who is currently under investigation and barred from participating in the rerun.
According to various local polls, hard-right nationalist George Simion is predicted to advance to the runoff, potentially facing either Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan or the governing coalition's candidate, Crin Antonescu. Dan, 55, is an anti-corruption activist who established the Save Romania Union party (USR) and runs on a platform called “Honest Romania,” advocating for systemic reforms. In contrast, veteran centrist Antonescu, 65, campaigns on preserving Romania’s pro-Western alliances.
Victor Ponta, a former prime minister during the term of 2012 to 2015, has adopted a MAGA-style “Romania First” campaign, emphasizing his connections to the Trump administration. Another notable contender, Elena Lasconi, who finished second in last year’s first round, positions herself as a staunchly pro-Western, anti-establishment candidate criticizing the corruption of the political elite.
Public trust in institutions remains low, particularly among voters who supported Georgescu, a demographic that Simion is keen to attract. Simion commented on the anti-establishment movement, stating, “It is not an anarchic movement, but is against the people who destroyed this country.” His political party, the hard-right nationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, claims to align itself with the MAGA movement, tapping into the rising wave of populism across Europe. Since its prominence in the 2020 parliamentary elections, the Alliance has seen its support double, emphasizing values such as “family, nation, faith, and freedom.”
The election redo represents a pivotal moment for Romania as it strives to restore democratic processes and maintain its geopolitical ties that have faltered due to the previous election’s mishap. The U.S. has voiced criticism over the annulment, with comments from notable figures, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Russia has also expressed support for Georgescu's candidacy in the rerun.
The presidential position in Romania is influential, carrying a five-year term with crucial decision-making authority in national security and foreign policy, making this election potentially transformative for the country's future.
