Nicușor Dan Leads Romanian Presidential Election in Exit Polls

Romanian exit polls indicate a lead for pro-Western centrist Nicusor Dan over hard-right candidate George Simion in a closely watched presidential election, with Dan receiving about 54-55% of the vote. This outcome, if confirmed by official results, would reassure European capitals and NATO allies amid concerns about Romania veering toward a right-wing nationalist stance. The election follows the annulment of a previous vote due to allegations of Russian interference benefiting an ultranationalist candidate, who was subsequently barred from running. Dan's campaign emphasized anti-corruption and maintaining Romania's pro-EU and pro-NATO orientation, contrasting with Simion's hard-right, Trump-supporting platform. The high voter turnout and diaspora votes, not yet fully counted, could still impact the final results, making the election night suspenseful. Observers in Washington and Brussels are closely monitoring the election given its significance for EU integration and regional security.