Romanians headed to the polls on Sunday in a decisive presidential election re-run, with the vote narrowing down to a tense contest between far-right nationalist George Simion and pro-European Union mayor Nicusor Dan. The runoff is set to reshape the political future of Romania, a NATO member that borders war-torn Ukraine.

The vote comes after the annulment of last year's presidential election due to allegations of foreign interference and irregularities. If Simion secures victory, he would become the first far-right president in Romania’s post-communist history, positioning the country alongside other European Union states led by nationalist leaders critical of Brussels and skeptical of continued military support for Ukraine.

Pivotal vote for Romania’s future

Both candidates have tapped into widespread public dissatisfaction with a political class seen as corrupt and disconnected from ordinary citizens in one of the EU's poorest nations.

"I voted thinking about a better life," said Catalin Birca, 57, a pensioner from Bucharest. "I want this country to remain pro-European. What are we doing otherwise? Going back to where we started from?"

Polling stations were set to close at 9:00 pm (1800 GMT), with preliminary results expected overnight.

Who are the candidates?

George Simion: Nationalist, AUR leader

Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), has centered his campaign around nationalist rhetoric and promises to "put Romania first." The 38-year-old, a vocal supporter of former US President Donald Trump, has condemned what he described as the EU’s "absurd policies" and pledged to halt military aid to Ukraine.

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He secured nearly 41% of the vote in the first round on May 4, but a close race is anticipated in the runoff.

Simion cast his vote in Mogosoaia, near Bucharest, accompanied by far-right figure Calin Georgescu, who was barred from the rerun following the annulment of the previous election. Supporters greeted them with chants of "Calin Georgescu for president."

"This election is about ending the injustices done to the Romanian people," Simion said. "I voted for our future to be decided by Romanian people and for Romanian people," adding allegations of "massive fraud."

Nicusor Dan: Independent, pro-European

Dan, a 55-year-old mathematician and the mayor of Bucharest, is running as an independent with a platform focused on transparency, integrity, and maintaining close ties with the EU.

Voting in his native city of Fagaras, in the Transylvanian region, Dan emphasized the significance of this moment, saying, "This is a turning point, a crucial election," he said. "I voted for a European direction... not for Romania’s isolation."

Polls indicate that Dan has gained ground since the first round, potentially narrowing Simion’s lead. By 2:00 pm local time, voter turnout had reached close to 43% in a country of 19 million.

High stakes amid political instability

The rerun is taking place in a politically unstable climate. Last week’s unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and the collapse of his pro-European government coalition, following their candidate's elimination in the first round, have intensified the political crisis.

The new president will hold significant powers, including nominating a prime minister and influencing foreign policy decisions such as Romania’s position in EU summits. With parliamentary negotiations ongoing, Simion’s AUR party could be positioned to enter government.

The annulment of last year’s vote, attributed to alleged Russian interference and an aggressive social media campaign backing Georgescu, sparked mass demonstrations, some of which turned violent. Moscow has denied any involvement.

Impact on EU relations, Ukraine

Romania’s presidential office plays a critical role in shaping foreign policy, and the outcome of this election could significantly alter the country's stance toward Brussels and Kiev. While Simion has promised to curtail aid to Ukraine and challenge EU mandates, Dan has pledged continued cooperation with Western allies.

The growing uncertainty has also affected Romania’s already fragile economy, marked by high inflation and the highest debt level in the EU.

"The stakes of these elections are huge because there is widespread chaos in Romania right now after the annulment," said Runa Petringenaru, a 55-year-old workshop organiser. "It’s unheard of here and probably nowhere else in Europe... We can’t wait for it to be over."

As the nation awaits results, Romanians are preparing for a potential shift in the country's trajectory, one that could reverberate across the region and the wider EU.

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