Romania’s constitutional court has annulled the first round of the 2024 presidential election, which was narrowly won by far-right candidate Calin Georgescu amid concerns of Russian interference.

The court cited the need for a fair electoral process and ordered the government to restart the election.

This follows allegations of foreign influence, including cyber-attacks and social media manipulation in Georgescu’s favor.

The annulment means a second-round runoff against centrist candidate Elena Lasconi will not take place, CNN has reported.

Protests have erupted in Bucharest against Georgescu, with claims of fraud and Russian backing.

Written by B.C. Begley