Romanians started casting ballots on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election that could pit a far-right nationalist against the incumbent leftist prime minister in the runoff.

Romanians were voting Sunday in the first round of a presidential election amid a surge in inflation and fears over the war in neighbouring Ukraine that could favour far-right leader George Simion.

Observers expect the final vote to pit the nationalist George Simion against Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, of the Social Democratic Party. The diaspora is expected to play a pivotal role in the election.

Romanians will vote Sunday in a presidential election that looks likely to pit a far-right nationalist party leader against the leftist prime minister in a runoff in two weeks.

Romanians vote in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, with the second round due to be held on Dec. 8. A parliamentary ballot is also set for Dec. 1.