Romanians Vote in High Numbers for Presidential Election

At 8 p.m. local Romanian time, after 99,81% of the voting ballots have been counted, the results of the first round of the race for Romanian Presidency are the following: incumbent President Basescu (Democratic Liberal Party) 32,43%, Mircea Geoana (Social Democrat Party) 31,16% and Crin Antonescu (National Liberal Party) 20,02%. The other runners are not even worth mentioning, as all of them scored under 4%.

First official results were barely published, that both Basescu and Geoana proclaimed themselves as winners. A life or death battle is to be expected in the next two weeks between the two opponents and their respective political machines. A key player for the second round, although not running himself, is the third placed liberal Crin Antonescu. His support for one or the other of the finalists will be crucial for securing victory.

Yet, beyond flamboyant political declarations about winners and losers or “right” versus “left” preferences, the first round of the Presidential elections is a major victory for Romanian democracy. With a record turnout of 54%, Romanians overcame any voter participation forecast. Actually, considering the current economic downturn and political turmoil, analysts predicted low figures and great apathy. Compared to the 2008 Parliamentary elections, when just around 40% of Romanians cast their ballots, the recent figure looks even more impressive.

Several reasons can explain such a high participation. Antonescu’s bid for Presidency inspired the youth and intellectuals, two categories that have previously been reluctant to express their preferences. Diaspora, who traditionally votes for right wing candidates, had now two candidates to choose from. Also, the record turnout can be considered as a clear signal given to the entire political class that current political stalemate cannot continue any longer.

Written by Ana-Maria Stoian, Fleishman-Hillard Brussels