France, May 3 -- Romanians head to the polls on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election re-run, five months after the previous vote was annulled over allegations of Russian interference - a decision that plunged the country into political chaos and mass protests.

The election will determine the country's leadership at a time when its position within the European Union and NATO, as well as its foreign policy direction, face significant challenges.

The unprecedented annulment of the presidential election on 6 December, 2024 came after allegations of Russian interference favouring the initial front-runner, Calin Georgescu.

The move plunged the country into widespread protests and political instability, fuelled by US Vice-Pres...