Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Bucharest on Sunday, protesting against a recent decision by Romania's Constitutional Court to annul the presidential election. This unprecedented move came after an outsider candidate, far-right populist Calin Georgescu, emerged unexpectedly as the frontrunner in the first round held on November 24.

Protesters waved the national flag and displayed placards with messages such as "Democracy is not optional" and "We want free elections," demanding the immediate resumption of the electoral process. Echoing sentiments expressed during a similar protest last week, demonstrators voiced their frustration over the implications of the annulled election and the perceived threats to democracy in Romania, an EU and NATO member state.

George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, highlighted the gravity of their situation, stating, "We are protesting against a coup d'état that took place on Dec. 6." He emphasized the need for a return to democracy and reiterated calls for resuming elections starting with the second round.

The court's decision, announced just two days prior to the planned runoff on December 8, has plunged the country into political turmoil. Allegations of illegal activities, including using digital technologies inappropriately and undeclared funding sources, contributed to the court's ruling. Georgescu's campaign reported zero spending, yet many speculate his unusual rise can be attributed to his substantial social media presence, particularly on TikTok, where he has garnered over 7.2 million likes and 646,000 followers.

The new election dates have been set, with the first round scheduled for May 4 and a potential runoff on May 18 if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote. Georgescu has already challenged the court’s ruling through local and international legal avenues, seeking recourse amid allegations of electoral misconduct and undue advantage from social media platforms.

As public outcry continues to resonate in the streets, Romania's ongoing political landscape remains uncertain, with citizens increasingly anxious over their democratic rights and governance.

For more information, please refer to the original articles from AP News and Voice of America.