Vienna: Romanian Premier Marcel Ciolacu led the first round of Sunday’s presidential election with 25% of the votes, according to exit polls. A run-off election appears likely and is scheduled to take place in two weeks.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ciolacu, who represents the Social Democratic Party, was followed by Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party, who garnered 18% of the votes, as reported by the Antena3 broadcaster. The election saw a significant turnout, with approximately 9.4 million people casting their votes. Polls closed at 1900 GMT, marking an over 50% voter turnout.

The election featured 13 candidates vying to succeed the outgoing President Klaus Iohannis. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the votes in the first round, the top two candidates will progress to a run-off, scheduled for December 8.