Romania presidential vote seen heading to Nov. 24 runoff


A man takes photos as a woman casts her vote in Bucharest, Romania, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. Voting got underway in Romania’s presidential election after a lackluster campaign overshadowed by a political crisis which saw a minority government installed just a few days ago. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)


BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Exit polls from Sunday’s balloting showed a runoff will be needed Nov. 24 to decide Romania’s presidential contest.


“Exit polls show that millions of Romanians in the country and abroad voted for our project, for a normal Romania,” said Iohannis, who is seeking a second five-year term.

He said that all Romanians, including those who voted for Dancila, wanted the same thing from the country’s leaders: “Public money used correctly for schools, hospitals and highways, stable pensions” as well as institutions that serve the citizens and just laws that are “respected by everybody.”




The presidential campaigns were overshadowed by the country’s political crisis, which saw a minority government installed just days ago.




While lacking an executive role, Romania’s president has significant decision-making powers, including involvement in matters of national security and foreign policy. The president also can reject party nominees for prime minister and government nominees for judicial appointments.


“I voted against austerity, against the cutting of pensions and salaries . (for) a Romania where citizens do not fear tomorrow,” Dancila said after voting Sunday.



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