Polling stations for Romania’s presidential election have opened abroad, with nearly 100 voters casting their ballots early.
Romanian citizens living abroad can vote over a three-day period, starting Friday, November 22. The first polling stations to open were in New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, due to time zone differences, while it was still early morning in Romania. So far, over 90 people have voted.
If a second round of voting is required, the diaspora will have another three-day window, likely between December 6 and 8.
Romania has set up 950 polling stations worldwide for its citizens living abroad. The largest numbers are in Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Moldova, and the United States. Additionally, around 4,200 Romanian citizens have already sent in their votes by mail.
The first round of the presidential election is scheduled for November 24, with 14 candidates competing for the position. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff will take place on December 8.
This year, Romanian voters face a busy schedule, as parliamentary elections are also set for Sunday, December 1. If the presidential election goes to a second round, Romanians will be heading to the polls for three consecutive Sundays.
