BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanians are participating in a decisive presidential runoff election on Sunday, which features a contest between George Simion, a hard-right nationalist, and Nicusor Dan, a pro-Western centrist. This election rerun is seen as critical for determining the future geopolitical direction of Romania, an EU and NATO member, following a political crisis that has gripped the country for months.
The runoff pits Simion, the 38-year-old leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), against the incumbent mayor of Bucharest, 55-year-old Nicusor Dan. This election comes after a previous one was annulled amid accusations of electoral violations and Russian interference, changes that left Romania facing its most serious political turmoil in decades.
Polls opened at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) local time and will close at 9 p.m. (1800 GMT). Voting for Romanians living abroad commenced on Friday, with over 730,000 ballots already cast at overseas polling stations. This participation is significant, as higher turnout rates are typically observed during the final rounds of presidential elections in Romania. In the first round held on May 4, the final voter turnout was approximately 53%, amounting to about 9.5 million eligible voters.
Romania's political climate shifted dramatically last year when a top court invalidated a previous election that had seen the far-right candidate Calin Georgescu leading in early polls. Allegations of electoral malpractice contributed to this unprecedented decision, which has empowered both Simion and Dan, as they both campaign against the entrenched political establishment that has been marred by corruption.
Recent surveys indicate a closely contested race, differing from earlier polls that showed Simion in front. Dan, a former civic activist and mathematician, has gained recognition for his anti-corruption stance and his focus on Western integration, fiscal reform, and support for Ukraine.
The significance of this presidential role cannot be overstated; it encompasses a five-year term with substantial powers over national security and foreign policy. Following the departure of former Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu—whose coalition's candidate failed to advance to the runoff—the new president will be tasked with nominating a new prime minister.
Simion previously supported Georgescu in the canceled election but has since emerged as a leading figure on the extreme right, advocating reforms aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape and taxes. He emphasizes his mission to restore democracy with his slogan of returning to "the will of the people." The AUR party, which he leads, campaigns on a platform emphasizing "family, nation, faith, and freedom," having gained significant traction in the 2020 parliamentary elections.
Critics label Simion as a pro-Russian extremist who threatens Romania's existing alliances within the EU and NATO. However, he has publicly rejected these accusations, arguing that Russia poses the greatest threat to Romania, while his quest is for equal partnership within the European framework. Analysts suggest that his focus lies in identity politics rather than a clear pro or anti-Russian stance.
In the initial round of voting, Simion garnered a substantial 61% of the Romanian diaspora's vote, indicating a strong appeal among those living abroad. As the voting process began on Friday, Simion made unsubstantiated claims accusing the Moldovan government of election fraud, which were swiftly dismissed by both Romanian and Moldovan officials as attempts to erode trust in the electoral process.
