Romania’s Top Court Annuls Presidential Election, Orders Full Rerun Amid Claims of Russian Interference

Calin Georgescu, the independent candidate who won the first round

Romania’s top court on Friday annulled the result of the first round of the country’s presidential election, declaring that the entire election process must be rerun. The second round, initially scheduled for Sunday, has been postponed, despite voting already underway at polling stations abroad.

The annulment follows a shocking first-round victory by Calin Georgescu, a far-right candidate advocating an end to Romanian support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. Georgescu’s unexpected win, despite polling in single digits prior to the November 24 election, raised concerns about election integrity in the European Union and NATO member state.

People at a pro-European rally in Bucharest, Romania, ahead of the Dec 8, run off election.

Documents declassified on Wednesday by Romania’s top security council highlighted “aggressive hybrid Russian attacks” targeting the election. The court’s ruling stated: “The electoral process to elect Romania's president will be fully re-run, and the government will set a new date and calendar for the necessary steps.”

The annulled second round would have featured a showdown between Georgescu and pro-EU centrist leader Elena Lasconi.

While far-right parties also saw a strong showing in Romania’s parliamentary elections held last Sunday, the ruling Social Democrats emerged as the largest party and aim to form a pro-EU coalition government. The court’s decision did not challenge the integrity of the parliamentary vote.

The situation underscores growing concerns over external interference and democratic stability in Eastern Europe.