Romanians flocked to the polls on Sunday to elect a new parliament with the far right tipped to gain ground, potentially heralding a shift in the foreign policy of the NATO country bordering Ukraine.

The parliamentary vote comes at a time of political turmoil sparked when a top court ordered a recount of the first round of the November 24 presidential election.

The first-round presidential ballot was won by Calin Georgescu, a little-known, far-right admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin. A run-off is slated for December 8.

Despite accusations of Russian influence and alleged interference via TikTok, Sunday's parliamentary elections went ahead as planned.

Polling stations opened at 7:00 am (0500 GMT) and will close at 9:00 pm, with an exit poll due to be published shortly afterward. The first official results are expected later in the evening.

Several voters like Dorina Burcea, who works in marketing, voiced concern that Romania might turn away from its pro-European path.

"As someone who lived a little bit under communism and still remembers it -- and at the same time could enjoy all this openness........

© International Business Times