(MENAFN) Romanians returned to the polls on Sunday, May 18, for the second round of a presidential election rerun, following the annulment of last year’s results by the Constitutional Court. The runoff pits George Simion, a nationalist and critic of EU policies, against Nicusor Dan, the pro-European mayor of Bucharest.

Nearly 19,000 polling stations opened across the country, with voting taking place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time. Exit poll results are expected shortly after polls close.

Simion, who leads the right-wing Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), led the first round with 40.96% of the vote — nearly 20 percentage points ahead of independent candidate Nicusor Dan. However, recent surveys suggest a tighter race, with one poll showing a dead heat and another giving Dan a slight edge.

Dan, a mathematician educated at the Sorbonne and a former civic activist, has focused his campaign on anti-corruption efforts, social equality, and strengthening Romania’s alliances with the EU and NATO. He argues that continued support for Ukraine is essential to Romania’s security.

Simion, while rejecting claims of being anti-EU, has called for a “Europe of sovereign nations” and criticized what he views as a corrupt EU bureaucracy. He also opposes sending arms to Ukraine, advocating instead for a negotiated peace. Though distancing himself from accusations of being pro-Russian, Simion has praised U.S. President Donald Trump and criticized what he perceives as Europe’s shift away from American leadership.

The rerun follows the invalidation of the previous election, where right-wing candidate Calin Georgescu led the first round with 23%. The Constitutional Court cited irregularities, foreign influence via TikTok, and alleged Russian interference — claims Moscow denies. Georgescu was later barred from the race due to what authorities deemed extremist positions and procedural breaches.

Simion has aligned himself with Georgescu, appearing alongside him at the polls and hinting he may appoint him prime minister if victorious.

On the eve of the vote, Simion raised concerns about alleged voter manipulation in Moldova, where many dual citizens are casting ballots. He also deactivated his social media accounts to comply with election silence rules.

Simion’s rise prompted Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu to resign and announce the Social Democratic Party’s exit from the ruling coalition, declaring the government lacked legitimacy. The PSD has opted not to endorse either candidate in the runoff.

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