In the recent Romanian presidential elections, preliminary results show an unexpected turn of events with Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu taking a slight lead. However, a surprisingly robust performance by pro-Russia candidate Cailin Georgescu has added an unforeseen twist to the electoral race.
As per the reports from 80 percent of the polling stations on November 24, Ciolacu, a pro-Western Social Democrat, secured 22.17 percent of the votes, stated election officials. Yet, his opponent for the expected runoff round is still uncertain, as Georgescu, known for his anti-NATO statements, secured second place with 22.11 percent.
Elena Lasconi from the center-right Save Romania Union came in third with 14.97 percent, followed closely by George Simion from the ultranationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR) at 14.94 percent.
Analysts predicted that the results from the larger cities, where Ciolacu and Lasconi are expected to secure more votes than Georgescu, could potentially determine the winner of this closely contested race.
Exit polls suggested 25 percent of votes for Ciolacu, and Lasconi trailing behind at 18 percent, while Georgescu and Simion lagged with 14-16 percent in a field of 13 candidates. These numbers did not account for diaspora polling where Lasconi and Simion are predicted to take the lead.
Despite Ciolacu’s marginal lead, some commentators suggested that the far right appears to be the significant victor in this election. If no candidate secures over 50 percent of the vote, a runoff will take place on December 8, one week following the parliamentary election on December 1.
Ciolacu was the favored candidate entering the election, and pre-vote surveys suggested that five candidates had a chance to progress to the runoff to succeed the outgoing center-right incumbent, Klaus Iohannis.
The election saw a turnout of just over 52 percent, or about 9.44 million voters. Prolonged queues were reported at polling stations in Bucharest, the capital, before the 9 p.m. poll closing time.
Georgescu, aged 62, has faced criticism in the Romanian media for expressing pro-Russia sentiments. However, he claimed his unexpected vote count represents a significant victory for Romania.
Lasconi, a former small-town mayor and journalist, was the sole presidential candidate who opposed the idea of Ukraine surrendering land to Russia in a peace deal. She also called for a stronger NATO presence in Romania.
Ciolacu expressed pro-Europe sentiment leading up to the election. Critics have accused Simion of being excessively Russia-friendly. Despite this, Simion expressed confidence in advancing to the second round.
Romania, a key ally of Ukraine, has been providing training and military equipment, as well as playing a vital role in transporting Ukrainian grain and other agricultural goods to global markets.
Romania’s president has substantial decision-making powers, including matters of national security and foreign policy. Elected for a five-year term, the president can also reject party nominees for prime minister and government nominees for judicial appointments.
Diaspora voting began on November 23, with initial figures indicating a higher turnout than in 2019 among those abroad, with about 675,000 of such votes cast by 6 p.m. on November 24.
This election has high stakes for Romania, a NATO and EU nation. Foreign policy is a significant concern for the voters, especially in the context of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and the potential changes that could occur with a switch in the US presidency.
