Romania's Constitutional Court has annulled the results of the first round of the country's presidential elections following allegations of Russian interference.
According to foreign media, the unprecedented decision came after declassified intelligence documents alleged that Russia was behind a campaign to promote far-right candidate Calin Georgescu on platforms such as TikTok and Telegram.
Mr. Georgescu was seen as an outsider in the race and had not declared any campaign spending, but emerged as the frontrunner after the first round on November 24, writes A2 CNN.
He was due to face pro-EU candidate Elena Lasconi, of the Save Romania Union party, in a runoff on Sunday.
The Constitutional Court said in a statement that it "cancels the entire electoral process related to the election of the president of Romania."
"The government will set a new date for the elections... as well as a new timetable for carrying out the necessary actions," he added.
Ms. Lasconi criticized the court's decision, arguing that the vote should have continued and respected the will of the Romanian people.
While "Russian propaganda" is a "serious problem", she said the consequences should be dealt with after free elections.
The initial result threatened the country's pro-Ukrainian stance, with Mr. Georgescu who refused to say explicitly whether he supports Russia.
He has previously said that Romania - a member of NATO and the European Union - stands its best chance with "Russian wisdom".
The president in Romania serves a five-year term and has important decision-making powers in various areas, including defense spending, national security and foreign policy, writes A2 CNN. (A2 Televizion)
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