Romanian Presidential Election Saga Ends Sunday

Sunday's presidential runoff in Romania will end an election saga that began last November. The outcome will have major implications for the future political direction of this EU and NATO member country.

Per The Washington Post, "Exit polls will give us an idea of who is winning after polls close at 9 p.m. Sunday [2 p.m. Eastern Time]. If it is neck-and-neck, definitive results might not be announced until early Monday."

One way to track the direction of the outcome is by following the prediction markets, which have tightened considerably since the first round of voting on May 4. These markets should respond quickly to any data released after the voting ends.

Click the image below for the current live market prices at Kalshi

George Simian, a hard-right nationalist who is a member of Parliament, led the May 4 voting with about 41% of the vote. Finishing second with 21% was the pro European Union Mayor of Bucharest, Nicusor Dan.

This presidential election initially took place last November. Another nationalist, Calin Georgescu led that vote with about 23%. Two days before the runoff, Romania's Constitutional Court annulled the election, saying that it had been impacted by a Russian influence operation. Georgescu was subsequently banned from running in the rescheduled election earlier this month. Eleven candidates appeared on the May 4 ballot, with Simion and Dan advancing.