Georgescu leads Romania's presidential race

BUCHAREST - Independent candidate Calin Georgescu maintains a commanding lead in Romania's presidential election with 22.84 percent of the vote, according to near-complete results from Romania's Permanent Electoral Authority, with over 99.5 percent of ballots counted.

Georgescu has secured over 2 million votes, holding a significant 340,000-vote advantage over his closest competitor.

Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the chairman of the Social Democratic Party, is in second place with 19.24 percent. Close behind is Elena Lasconi, the leader of the Save Romania Union, with 19.12 percent, as the race for the second spot in the runoff intensifies.

Georgescu, often regarded as the dark horse of this election, has surged to prominence with his independent campaign. Born in Bucharest on March 26, 1962, he graduated from the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine and holds a PhD in soil science.

The presidential elections were held in Romania on Sunday, with 14 candidates competing for the state's top position.

Romania's president serves a five-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms allowed.