Pro-EU candidate leads in Romanian presidential race – exit polls

Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan has an edge over his competitor, George Simion in three out of four pollsters

Bucharest mayor Nicusor Dan has taken the lead over his opponent, George Simion, in the Romanian presidential election, according to exit polls released on Sunday evening. Both candidates have declared victory, despite the official results not yet being announced.

The outcome may hinge on the diaspora vote, which remains uncounted.

Dan garnered slightly over 54% of the vote, data published by the Avangarde and CURS show. Another pollster, INSCOP, put his result at 52%. Simion was gaining between 45% and 48% according to the three exit polls. Data published by a fourth pollster, Sociopol, suggested that the candidates were neck-and-neck.

Exit poll results are based on questionnaires completed by voters immediately after casting their ballots. According to local media, these polls do not account for votes cast by the diaspora abroad, which could significantly influence the final outcome.

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