Romanians will head to the polls on Sunday, May 4, to elect their next president in the first round of a “do-over” election, the second such poll within six months.The Eastern European country previously held a presidential election on November 24, 2024, from which far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, who was polling in single digits during the campaign, surprisingly emerged victorious.
That result was annulled after reports emerged of alleged Russian election interference in favour of Georgescu, throwing the country into a political crisis.
Romania’s elections authority banned the pro-Moscow independent in March. He is now subject to criminal investigations.
Here’s everything you need to know about the redo vote and who the top contenders are:
Where and when will polls open in Romania?
Polls will open at 7am (04:00 GMT) on Sunday, May 4 and close at 9pm (18:00 GMT).
Voters can cast their ballot at any of 18,979 polling stations around the country. An additional 965 stations will be set up in countries with big diaspora communities, including Malta, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Moldova and the United States. Advertisement
How do presidential elections work in Romania?
The president is elected for a five-year term in a two-round voting system. A president can serve up to two terms.
A candidate must secure more than 50 percent of all registered votes to be declared a winner in the first round.
If no candidate achieves the 50 percent threshold on May 4, a run-off will be held on May 18 between the two top finishers. The candidate with the most votes will be declared the winner.
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