Romania to hold presidential run-off after top court validates first round

Romania's constitutional court on Monday certified the shock first-round results of the presidential election, confirming the lead of pro-Russia nationalist Calin Georgescu, who will face liberal leader Elena Lasconi in the run-off on Sunday.  

The Constitutional Court’s unanimous decision came after it had asked the Central Election Bureau to recount and verify all 9.4 million ballots cast in the first round of the presidential election on Nov. 24. The election bureau approved the request and proceeded with the recount.

Monday's decision is final.