Romanian Prime Minister and leader of the Social Democratic Party, Marcel Ciolacu, won 25% in the first round of the presidential election, while the president of the centre-right Union for the Liberation of Romania, Elena Lasconi, got 18%.
This is indicated by the results of the exit poll of the company AVANGARD, announced by Agerpress, BTA reported.
Independent candidate Calin Georgescu is still in third place with 16%, according to exit poll data. The KURS company exit poll gives the same percentages to all three candidates.
According to VANGARDE, the following positions are ranked: the leader of the national Federation for the Unification of Romanians George Simion (15%), the chairman of the National Liberal Party Nicolae Čuka (14%) and the independent candidate Mircea Joanna (5%).
In the KURS exit poll, the same arrangement is maintained: George Simion (14.1%), Nicolae Chuka (13%) and Mircea Joanna (5.5%).
Election day has ended in Romania, the Permanent Electoral Authority (PEA) announced. A total of 13 candidates – ten men and three women – took part in the race for the Kotrocheni presidential palace. The second round of the presidential elections will be held on December 8.
After the end of the election day, Çolaku said that the Romanian vote was for balance and stability, “besides the things that matter”.
“Thank you to all the Romanians who came out to vote. It was a clear sign that democracy in Romania is strong and I am happy that the vote passed without major incidents, especially because I am also is the Prime Minister of Romania at this time ( .. .) Their vote was also a positive vote for balance and stability, for the things that are important,” he said.
Cholaku said that the vote in the first round of the presidential election was very scattered and currently sociologists do not yet know who will be the other participant in the second round apart from him.
Voter turnout over 50%
More than 18 million voters in the country had the opportunity to vote from 07:00 to 21:00 local (and Bulgarian) time in the first round of the presidential elections. Overseas voters, numbering nearly a million, had three days to vote, from Friday to Sunday.
More than 9.2 million Romanians had voted in the country by 8pm, while the number who voted abroad was 765,000, according to data from the Permanent Electoral Authority. This means that, one hour before the end of the election day, the turnout reached 51.16 percent, Digi24 TV reports.
In parallel with the vote for the head of state, a local referendum with three questions was held in the capital of Bucharest, initiated by the mayor Nikushor Dan.
According to PIO data, the participation in it exceeded the 30 percent level necessary to recognize its validity. By 8:00 pm, 39.40% of those eligible to vote, ie 704,108 residents of Bucharest, had voted in the referendum. The second round of presidential elections will be held on December 8, and parliamentary elections will be held on December 1.
2024-11-24 19:44:00
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## Romanian Elections: A Divided Electorate?
**Introduction:**
Welcome, viewers, to World Today News, where we delve into the heart of global events. Today, we’re analyzing the first round results of the Romanian presidential election, a race that has yielded a surprisingly fragmented landscape.
Joining us are two distinguished guests: Dr. Alina Grigore, a Professor of Political Science specializing in Romanian politics at the Bucharest University, and Lucian Popescu, a Romanian political analyst and journalist.
**Section 1: The Tight Race and Divided electorate:**
**Host:** Dr. Grigore, the first round results show no clear frontrunner, with Marcel Ciolacu, the Prime Minister, leading with 25% of the vote, followed closely by Elena Lasconi and Calin Georgescu. What are your observations on this fragmented political landscape?
**Dr. Grigore:**
This election reflects the deep divisions within the Romanian electorate. We see a society grappling with complex issues like economic stagnation, perceived corruption, and a yearning for stability. The lack of a decisive winner in the first round signals a populace yet to coalesce behind a single vision for the future.
**Host:** Lucian, how do you interpret the performance of the individual candidates? Does any particular trend emerge from their results?
**Lucian Popescu:**
Ciolacu’s lead, though not overwhelming, points to the enduring appeal of the Social Democratic Party among a segment of the population seeking stability and continuity. However, the strong showing of Lasconi, a representative of the center-right, suggests a growing segment favouring a shift in direction. The presence of several other candidates garnering significant votes further undermines the traditional left-right divide, indicating a more nuanced electorate.
**Section 2: The Road to the Second Round:**
**Host:** With the second round looming on December 8th, Dr. Grigore, what are the key factors that could determine the outcome?
**Dr. Grigore:**
Several factors will be crucial. Firstly, the ability of the second-place candidate to consolidate support from other contenders who failed to make the cut. Secondly, the nature and intensity of the campaign waged by both finalists will be pivotal in swaying undecided voters. turnout, especially among the younger generation, will be a critical determinant.
**Host:** Lucian, which issues are likely to dominate the campaign narrative leading up to the second round?
**Lucian Popescu:**
Likely, we’ll see a continued focus on the economy, living standards, and social welfare. Corruption, a perennial issue in Romanian politics, will undoubtedly feature prominently. Foreign policy, particularly Romania’s relationship with both the EU and NATO, is also likely to be debated, especially in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
**Section 3: Looking Forward: Implications for Romanian Politics?**
**Host:** Dr. Grigore, regardless of who wins, how might the results of this election shape Romanian politics in the long term?
**Dr. Grigore:**
This election marks a significant shift towards a more fragmented and volatile political landscape. The results suggest a clear rejection of the traditional two-party system and a yearning for new voices and approaches. We might witness the rise of new political alliances and a more dynamic and unpredictable political landscape in the coming years.
**Host:** Lucian, what message do you believe these results send to the international community about the state of Romanian democracy?
**Lucian Popescu:** This election underscores the strength and vibrancy of Romanian democracy. Despite its challenges, the robust voter turnout and the diversity of candidates highlight the commitment of the Romanian people to participate actively in shaping their own future.
**Conclusion:**
The Romanian presidential election has delivered a cliffhanger, setting the stage for a captivating second round. As the nation awaits the final verdict, the world watches closely, eager to understand the implications of this momentous election.
Thank you to our esteemed guests, Dr. Grigore and Lucian Popescu, for sharing their valuable insights.
And to our viewers, stay tuned for further coverage of the Romanian elections, right here on World Today News.
