• The rerun of Romania's presidential elections is marked by allegations of foreign interference via TikTok.
• George Simion leads the new candidate lineup, heavily utilizing social media for campaign engagement.
• Calin Georgescu's first-round win was annulled due to accusations of manipulated online presence.
• Younger voters are increasingly turning to TikTok for political information, raising concerns about disinformation.
• Efforts to moderate election-related content on TikTok are being enforced by the Romanian government.

As Romania prepares for the rerun of its presidential elections this weekend, the influence of social media, particularly TikTok, remains a focal point of discussion. The annulment of the previous election in November 2024, stemming from allegations of foreign meddling, has placed a spotlight on the platform’s role in shaping public opinion. Far-right candidate Calin Georgescu's unexpected rise to first place in the last election was linked to a surge of promotional content on TikTok, raising concerns both domestically and internationally. Russia has denied these allegations of manipulation, intensifying the scrutiny within Romania regarding the ongoing political climate, according to BBC, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.

The frontrunner in this election, George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for Uniting Romanians (AUR), has strategically built a substantial following on TikTok, boasting 1.3 million followers. His videos often combine nationalist sentiments with direct appeals to voters, creating a personal connection through emotional messaging. Simion stated, "The time for rebirth has come," highlighting a theme of national revival that resonates with his young audience, which predominantly comprises individuals aged 18 to 34, as revealed by analytics from Start.io, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Young voters have exhibited an increasing reliance on TikTok as a source of information on political matters. Interviews reveal that while some trust the content on TikTok, others express skepticism compared to traditional news sources. A student noted that TikTok has significantly influenced her political perspectives, demonstrating the platform's pivotal role in modern campaigning. Remus Stefureac, chief executive of INSCOP Research, highlighted the need for candidates to adapt and invest heavily in social media marketing, as “each and every one of the relevant candidates tried to build strong operations online” during the campaign, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.

The regulatory environment around social media and political campaigning in Romania has adapted in light of these events. TikTok has implemented measures such as blocking over 116,000 spam accounts and removing thousands of derogatory posts related to political candidates. Additionally, the Romanian government has mandated that all campaign materials be distinctly labeled, and several posts deemed unverified or misleading have been taken down. These steps are crucial as authorities respond to the challenges posed by misinformation, particularly amidst allegations of electoral manipulation, according to BBC, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.

In summary, the rerun of the presidential elections in Romania encapsulates the intricate dynamics between social media engagement, political credibility, and foreign influence. The ongoing scrutiny of TikTok highlights the need for greater oversight and integrity within the electoral process. As the campaign progresses, the influence of younger voters on these platforms may prove to be a significant factor in determining the election's outcome. Observations made by experts suggest that Romania's experience serves as a critical lesson for democracies worldwide, stressing the necessity to control how political communications unfold on digital platforms, according to BBC, Channel News Asia, and Reuters.