Sawt Falasteen - Romanians vote in tense presidential rerun as far right eyes win

The stakes are high for the NATO country of 19 million, which has become a key pillar of the defence alliance since Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

The repeat vote follows the cancellation of last year's vote won by NATO critic Calin Georgescu, who has been barred from the rerun, with fellow far-right politician George Simion now looking like the favourite.

Georgescu was excluded after authorities noted a massive TikTok campaign and issued claims of Russian interference, sparking sometimes violent protests.

He has been replaced by Simion, leader of the nationalist AUR party, who is one of 11 presidential hopefuls vying for the largely ceremonial but influential foreign policy post on Sunday.

An avowed fan of Donald Trump, Simion is often seen wearing a cap with the US president's slogan "Make America Great Again". He says he hopes to become Romania's "MAGA president".

Campaigning on a promise to put Romania first, the 38-year-old frontrunner is expected to pick up some of Georgescu's votes.

"It's time to take our country back," said the barred Georgescu after casting his ballot alongside Simion in Mogosoaia, on the outskirts of Bucharest.

"We are here with a single mission: to return to democracy... and bring justice to Romania," said Simion.

A small group gathered outside the polling station, shouting "Calin, we love you".

There was a palpable thirst for change among many voters on Sunday. Robert Teodoroiu was one of them, telling AFP that he hopes his ballot will be successful this time after being disappointed last year.

"I'm trying my luck again," said the 37-year-old driver in Bucharest.

- 'Dignity' pledge -

Similar to the last election, voter turnout stood at more than 43 percent mid-afternoon. Polls will close at 9:00 pm (1800 GMT), and exit polls expected shortly afterwards.

Simion has largely campaigned online, partly in a bid to woo Romania's influential overseas voters.

He describes himself as "more moderate" than Georgescu, but he shares his aversion to what he calls "Brussels' unelected bureaucrats".

Simion accuses EU officials of having meddled in Romania's elections and has vowed to restore his country's "dignity" within the European bloc.

While frequently denouncing Russia, he opposes sending military aid to Ukraine and wants Romania to reduce support for Ukrainian refugees.

His campaign has found favour with 67-year-old Stela Ivan.

After decades dominated by the same political parties since the end of Communism, she said she hoped "with all her heart" that a far-right president would bring "change" to Romania.

Silvia Tomescu, a 52-year-old nurse, said she hopes for a "better life, higher wages and a president" she can be "proud of" and who "will not side with Russia" as she voted in Bucharest.

- Under scrutiny -

There are four main candidates vying for a likely second round on May 18, including Simion.

Crin Antonescu, backed by Romania's governing pro-European coalition, has campaigned on a promise to offer stability.

Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan has vowed to fight the "corrupt" and "arrogant" political elite.

And polling in fourth place is former Social Democrats prime minister Victor Ponta, who has been banking on a Trump-style "Romania First" campaign.

"The race has become very close," Remus Stefureac, director of polling company INSCOP Research, told AFP. "Each of the four could win the presidency," he added.

The large number of undecided voters could "completely change" the current ranking based on the polls, said Stefureac.

Following the shock annulment of last year's ballot -- a rare move in the EU -- the rerun will be held under close scrutiny.

Thousands in Romania have protested in recent months against the cancellation, denouncing what they called a "coup".

Even the United States has weighed in on the annulment, with Vice President JD Vance condemning the decision.

To avoid a repeat of last year's turmoil, the authorities have stepped up preventive measures as well as cooperation with TikTok, saying they are committed to "fair and transparent" elections.

While the far right alleged "multiple signs of fraud", the government pointed to various disinformation campaigns it said were "new attempts at manipulation and interference by state actors".

X.Habash--SF-PST