Romanians are casting ballots on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election that could pit a far-right nationalist against the incumbent leftist prime minister in the run-off. Thirteen candidates are vying for the presidency in the European Union and Nato member country,

Observers expect the final vote to pit the nationalist George Simion against Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, of the Social Democratic Party. The frontrunners for the largely ceremonial role are Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu,

Romanians vote on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election that may give a shot at victory to hard-right politician George Simion, who opposes military aid to Ukraine, admires Donald Trump and wants to emulate Giorgia Meloni's Italy.

Romanians were voting Sunday in the first round of a presidential election amid a surge in inflation and fears over the war in neighbouring Ukraine that could favour far-right leader George Simion.

Experts expect the final vote to pit far-right George Simion against incumbent center-left Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The diaspora is expected to play a pivotal role in the outcome of the election.