Social Democrats lead Romania vote, but far right makes big gains [Video]

Romania’s ruling Social Democrats (PSD) were leading in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, but the far right secured big gains, exit polling found, deepening uncertainty in a country rocked by political chaos.

Shortly after the end of voting at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT), the PSD was credited with 26 percent of the vote, ahead of the other parties, according to the poll published by local media.

However, all the far-right parties combined stood at about 30 percent.

If confirmed by official results expected later in the evening, it would indicate a fragmented parliament as well as difficult negotiations to form a government.

The parliamentary vote comes at a time of political turmoil sparked when a top court ordered a recount of the first round of Romania’s November 24 presidential election.

Last week’s first-round presidential ballot was won by Calin Georgescu, a little-known far-right admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin. A run-off is …