BUCHAREST — George Simion, chairman of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, and Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan will advance to the runoff of Romania's presidential election rerun, scheduled for May 18.

The announcement follows real-time preliminary results by Romania's Permanent Electoral Authority from the first round of the elections rerun on Sunday.

With over 99.53 percent of ballots counted, Simion maintains a commanding lead with 40.56 percent of the vote.

Dan, who ran as an independent, was in second place with 20.91 percent. Close behind was Crin Antonescu, the candidate of the electoral alliance Romania Forward, with 20.32 percent.

Romania's president serves a five-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms allowed.

Under the Romanian Constitution, if no candidate secures an outright majority in the first round, a runoff is held between the top two contenders two weeks later.

The presidential election held in November was annulled following allegations of irregular campaigning practices and foreign interference.

"This is not just an electoral victory, it is a victory of Romanian dignity. It is the victory of those who have not lost hope, of those who still believe in Romania, a free, respected, sovereign country," Simion, a 38-year-old eurosceptic, said.

He secured victory in 36 out of Romania's 47 electoral districts, showcasing strong domestic support.

He also captured 61 percent of the diaspora vote while Dan managed 25 percent despite securing wins in 68 out of 94 countries where votes were cast. Ballots from one overseas station were still being awaited but would have no bearing on the overall outcome.

Simion opposes military aid to neighboring Ukraine, and is critical of the EU leadership.

After confirming his runner-up status, Dan expressed gratitude to his supporters — especially those in Moldova, where his camp secured over 50 percent — and outlined his challenge against an isolationist candidate.

"A difficult second round is going to follow with the isolationist candidate. It will not be a debate between individuals, it will be a debate between a pro-Western direction for Romania and an anti-Western direction for Romania," he said.

Xinhua - Agencies