Romanian Social Democratic Party leader and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolaku captured 25 percent of the votes in the presidential election’s opening round. The figures came shortly after polling stations closed at 21:00 local time, and they were released by CURS, the Center for Urban and Regional Sociology, a respected polling and research organization. These early results offered a first clear snapshot of public sentiment across a country marked by diverse political currents. Observers noted that the turnout dynamics and the geographic spread of votes would likely influence strategic discussions among parties as parties prepare for possible runoff scenarios, while voters across urban hubs and rural villages processed the implications for national policy direction and leadership stability in the months ahead.
In second place stood Elena Lasconi, the candidate aligned with the centre-right Union to Save Romania party, who secured 18.1 percent of the vote. Lasconi’s campaign emphasized pragmatic governance, economic steadiness, and reforms aimed at improving the routine lives of families and small businesses. Her platform resonated with voters seeking clear plans and visible results, crowding the middle ground where concerns about inflation, security, and public services tend to converge. The distribution of Lasconi’s support suggested a cross-section of urban voters and smaller municipalities that value efficient administration and predictable policy trajectories.
According to CURS exit polls, the preliminary results aligned with a separate poll conducted by Avangarde Group in cooperation with the International Center for Research and Analysis (CIRA). This convergence among independent polling outfits bolsters the perception of a coherent early picture of the electorate’s preferences, even as the final results will depend on later vote tallies and potential shifts in voter sentiment between rounds. Analysts highlighted the consistency across methodologies as a sign that the race may retain its competitive balance as the campaign moves forward.
In third place was Calin Georgescu, running as an independent candidate from the former nationalist Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, who received around 16 percent of the vote according to both exit polls. Georgescu drew support from voters drawn to messages about national unity and a critique of the prevailing political establishment, tapping into concerns about sovereignty and regional cohesion that resonate with a portion of the electorate. His showing signaled that a segment of the population remained receptive to alternatives outside the two leading blocs, a factor that could influence coalition calculations and policy debates in the days ahead.
Turnout stood at 52.40 percent, a level that commentators interpreted as a measured engagement reflecting varying degrees of enthusiasm across different regions. While larger cities often register higher participation, many rural areas displayed more reserved involvement, underscoring the uneven distribution of political energy and the ongoing conversation about how electoral processes engage diverse communities. Analysts noted that turnout patterns could influence the momentum of parties and the perceived legitimacy of the results as campaigns shift focus to policy pledges and coalition building.
Ciolaku spoke about the exit poll findings as signaling a vote for balance and stability in governance. He stated that the government would consider the viewpoints of all Romanian citizens, regardless of political orientation, and would be prepared to engage in discussions with rival candidates to adopt useful ideas from their platforms. This stance suggested an openness to cross-party dialogue and the possibility of incorporating practical proposals that could address pressing issues such as the economy, healthcare, and public safety, while maintaining electoral credibility and governing legitimacy in the near term.
During the afternoon of November 24, ballot boxes were opened across Romania as the presidential process continued, continuing the momentum of voter participation and ensuring the electoral timetable moved forward. The extension of voting operations reflected a robust administrative effort to accommodate voters and uphold the integrity of the process, even as observers and participants anticipated the potential implications for policy direction and national leadership depending on the runoff outcome.
Earlier reports indicated that Romania was preparing to join the Schengen area, signaling a broader integration with European security and border policies. This context added a layer of significance to the presidential race, as leadership choices could influence how swiftly and effectively the country advances on its EU integration agenda, including border management, judicial reform, and adherence to European standards that affect everyday life for Romanian residents and businesses alike.