Romania is heading towards a presidential runoff election. Preliminary data indicates that the right-wing candidate is leading in the first round. However, they are unlikely to secure an absolute majority.
The winner of the presidential race will likely be decided in a runoff election in two weeks. Surveys suggest no candidate achieved an absolute majority in the first round. Eurosceptic George Simion has garnered approximately 30 to 33 percent of the votes.
Simion is closely followed by pro-European rivals, former Senator Crin Antonescu and Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan. They each secured around 21 to 23 percent of the votes. The top two candidates will compete again on May 18.