Romanians are preparing to go to the polls in a parliamentary vote that will determine a new government and prime minister to lead the European Union and NATO member country.

Romania on Friday began recounting the votes from last week's dramatic first-round presidential election, amid concerns the ballot might be annulled as authorities pointed to Russia's influence and alleged interference via TikTok.

Romania’s top court ordered a vote recount in the first round of the presidential election, it said on Thursday, in a ruling observers said risked tarnishing the credibility of state institutions ahead of two more ballots.

Sebastian Popescu, the presidential candidate from the "Noua Românie" Party, and Cristian Terheș, backed by the Romanian National Conservative Party, have both submitted requests to the Constitutional Court (CCR) to annul the first round of the presidential elections.

Romania's presidential election first round could be rerun if the country's top court decides to annul the vote that took place on Nov. 24, the head of the country's electoral commission said on Friday.

A recount in the race is ongoing which unexpectedly saw far-right pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu finish in first.

Romania's top court on Friday postponed a decision on whether to annul the first round of a presidential election until Dec. 2, after a shock result caused suspicions of interference in the campaign.

If the court rules the rerun, the first round could be held on Dec. 15 and the run-off could be postponed to Dec. 29. The unexpectedly strong showing of far-right pro-Russian candidate Călin Georgescu,