Back to the Polls

Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the first round of the Nov. 24 presidential election, citing foreign interference and procedural violations, in an unprecedented decision that has plunged the country into political chaos, the Associated Press reported.

Friday’s ruling follows declassified intelligence reports that alleged that Russian state actors orchestrated a coordinated online campaign to boost far-right candidate Călin Georgescu, who had emerged as the surprise frontrunner. Georgescu’s popularity surged on social media platforms such as TikTok and Telegram through a sleeper network activated two weeks before the vote, according to the reports.

The documents also found around $1 million in undeclared funding for his campaign, Euronews noted.

In its ruling, the top court cited the use of artificial intelligence, undeclared financing, and preferential treatment on social media as key factors that distorted the election’s outcome.

It declared that the election must be rerun entirely, including the candidate registration process. That decision postponed a runoff vote to be held Sunday, Dec. 8.

Voting stations abroad, which had already opened for the runoff, were shut down, and a new date for the presidential vote will be set after Romania’s new government is formed.

Georgescu, who claimed zero campaign spending, condemned the ruling as a “barbaric act” and an attack on democracy, while second-place candidate, Elena Lasconi, called the decision “illegal, immoral, and crushes the very essence of democracy.”

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who finished third, supported the annulment, calling it the “only correct solution” given evidence of Russian interference.

The annulment has sparked fears of unrest in the European Union and NATO member state, with political leaders urging calm amid growing distrust in state institutions.

Late last week, the European Commission requested information from TikTok over its role in the election, emphasizing concerns about the platform’s use in spreading disinformation and foreign propaganda.

Romania now faces prolonged political and electoral chaos, with new elections unlikely before spring 2025.