Nearly 40% of Romanian Voters Undecided Ahead of Controversial Presidential Re-Run

Nearly 40% of Romanian Voters Undecided Ahead of Presidential Election Re-Run

Political Turmoil and Misinformation Fuel Voter Uncertainty

With just weeks to go until Romania’s presidential election re-run on 4 May, nearly 40% of voters remain undecided, according to the latest opinion polls. The uncertainty comes amid deepening concerns over electoral legitimacy, foreign interference, and political polarization following the annulment of the original December vote.

The rerun was ordered by Romania’s Constitutional Court, which invalidated the first-round results over allegations of Russian meddling aimed at promoting Calin Georgescu, an ultranationalist independent who unexpectedly led the December contest. The court also barred Georgescu from running again, citing serious threats to the country’s constitutional order.

Four Candidates Emerge as Frontrunners

Out of 11 candidates vying for the presidency, four have emerged as serious contenders:

• George Simion, leader of the far-right AUR party, currently polls as a likely finalist. Known for his anti-establishment rhetoric and hostile stance toward the national press, Simion has restricted access at campaign events to local media only.

• Nicușor Dan, the Mayor of Bucharest, has built support among urban voters but voiced alarm over digital misinformation, including AI-generated content and manipulated video clips. He criticized Romania’s Central Electoral Authority for its perceived inaction, calling it “either incompetent or acting in bad faith.”

• Crin Antonescu, the pro-European coalition candidate, is attempting to unite centrist and liberal voters under a single pro-EU platform, backed by the current ruling coalition.

• Victor Ponta, a former prime minister, is attempting a political comeback despite resurfacing controversy over his 2014 decision to reroute Danube floodwaters to protect Serbia’s capital Belgrade, which reportedly led to Romanian villages being submerged. Ponta denied wrongdoing, insisting, “They lied to you — no person died, no household was flooded, no animal died.”

Security Concerns and Russian Influence Loom Over the Vote

The Constitutional Court’s December decision to void the election results plunged the EU and NATO member state into a political crisis. Newly declassified intelligence reports later confirmed Romania had been the target of Russian hybrid attacks, including an extensive social media disinformation campaign boosting Georgescu’s candidacy.

Romanian prosecutors have since opened a criminal investigation against Georgescu, accusing him of inciting anti-constitutional actions, supporting fascist movements, and misrepresenting campaign finances.

These developments have fueled public skepticism and uncertainty, contributing to the high number of undecided voters.

State Efforts to Combat Disinformation

As Romania prepares for the May re-run, national institutions have launched efforts to mitigate the impact of fake news and propaganda:

• The National Audiovisual Council has introduced new initiatives to flag and remove illegal digital content.

• Valentin Jucan, vice chairman of the council, urged citizens to report videos containing misinformation or hate speech, encouraging public participation in the defense of democratic norms.

Jucan emphasized the role of civil vigilance amid rising concerns that AI-driven content manipulation could further destabilize the election process.

A Test of Democratic Resilience

The upcoming election is seen as a crucial test of Romania’s democratic institutions in an age of digital disinformation and foreign interference. With a large portion of the electorate undecided and political trust deeply eroded, the outcome remains highly unpredictable.

Should no candidate secure a majority on 4 May, a second-round runoff will be held between the top two contenders. The final vote will not only determine Romania’s next president but will also serve as a barometer of how resilient the country remains in the face of external threats and domestic polarization.

Stay tuned to international news with The Horizons Times for full coverage of Romania's presidential election, international electoral integrity, and the rising global challenge of hybrid political interference.