The Social Democrats are expected to receive 26 percent of the votes, according to the first exit poll reported by Euronews and several news agencies.
According to the first forecasts, the Social Democrats may form a government with parties that prioritize good relations with the EU and the USA. These parties are also in favor of NATO and have consistently supported Ukraine during the Russian invasion war.
However, right-wing parties have made gains in the election and will constitute a powerful opposition in the country.
The strongly nationalist right-wing party AUR appears to become the second-largest party with 19 percent – and together with additional right-wing parties, the far-right in Romania may reach up to 30 percent, reports AFP.
Sunday's parliamentary election concerns all 330 seats in the lower house (the Chamber of Deputies) and all 136 in the upper house (the Senate).
The country has been ruled by a large coalition between the social democratic PSD, the conservative PNL, and the liberal UDMR since 2021.
Romania has 19 million inhabitants and has been a member of the EU since 2007 and NATO since 2004.
Voter turnout is considered high for Romania, with 42 percent at a measurement at 5 pm.
Corrected: An earlier version contained an incorrect formulation in the headline.
