Sawt Falasteen - Far-right candidate tops Romania's presidential rerun

The closely-watched rerun could potentially herald a foreign policy shift in the EU country of 19 million, which has become a key pillar of NATO since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

With more than 95 percent of ballots counted, nationalist AUR party leader Simion, a fan of US President Donald Trump, was leading with about 40 percent of the vote.

Crin Antonescu, backed by Romania's governing pro-European coalition, took almost 21 percent of the vote, neck-and-neck with Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan at 20 percent, with overseas votes likely to tip the balance in favour of Dan.

"Together we made history today," said Simion in a video message broadcast at his party's headquarters as euphoric supporters chanted "Out with the thieves, let patriots come".

Political science professor Sergiu Miscoiu told AFP that Simion now faced the uphill task of converting his lead into a win in the May 18 run-off, predicting that it would be a close race.

Other experts however have pointed to divisions within the pro-EU camp after a campaign marked by virulent accusations and dirty tricks.

- 'MAGA President' -

In all, 11 presidential hopefuls were vying for the post which, while largely ceremonial carries some influence in foreign policy.

The rerun follows the cancellation of last year's vote won by NATO critic Calin Georgescu.

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

Georgescu was replaced by 38-year-old Simion, who often dons a cap with the US president's slogan "Make America Great Again". He said he hopes to become Romania's "MAGA president".

"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, who campaigned on a promise to put Romania first.

Many voters clearly wanted change on Sunday, among them Robert Teodoroiu, who told AFP he hoped that this time his ballot would count after last year's vote was annulled.

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

Voter turnout stood at about 53 percent when polls closed.

Simion has largely campaigned online, partly in a bid to woo Romania's influential overseas voters. While describing himself as "more moderate" than Georgescu, 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 bloc.

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

His campaign found favour with 67-year-old Stela Ivan, who hopes a far-right president would bring "change" to Romania after decades dominated by the same political parties since the end of Communism.

Another voter, 52-year-old nurse Silvia Tomescu, said she hoped for a "better life, higher wages and a president" who "will not side with Russia".

- Under scrutiny -

Pro-European coalition candidate Crin Antonescu campaigned on a promise to offer stability, while Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan vowed to fight the "corrupt" and "arrogant" political elite.

Simion promised on Sunday that if he became president, he would get Georgescu into power, citing three ways he might achieve that: "a referendum, early elections or forming a coalition in parliament that would appoint him Prime Minister".

Following the ballot's shock annulment -- a rare move in the EU -- the rerun was held under close scrutiny.

Thousands in Romania have protested in recent months against the annulled vote, denouncing it as a "coup". US Vice President JD Vance also condemned the decision.

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".

N.Shalabi--SF-PST