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.

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 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.

Romanians vote on Sunday in the first round of a presidential election that may give a shot at victory to hard-right politician George Simion, who opposes military aid to Ukraine, admires Donald Trump and wants to emulate Giorgia Meloni's Italy.

Experts expect the final vote to pit far-right George Simion against incumbent center-left Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The diaspora is expected to play a pivotal role in the outcome of the election.

Thirteen candidates are vying for the presidency in the European Union and Nato member country with the vote expected to go to a second round.