Romania's previous presidential election was cancelled over allegations of campaign fraud and Russian interference.

A George Simion victory could isolate Romania, erode private investment and destabilise NATO's eastern flank, where Ukraine is fighting a three-year-old Russian invasion, political observers say.

Romanians living abroad are poised to help usher the far right into power back home. Nationalist firebrand George Simion stormed to first place in Sunday’s presidential vote, taking about 40 percent of the overall vote and securing his place in the runoff.