Entrance to a polling station in Enfield, North London at the Dharma Hall which accommodates all kinds of events.
The significant turnout of Romanian voters in the UK for the country’s parliamentary elections on December 1, 2024, highlighted the diaspora’s crucial role in determining Romania’s political future.
Votes from outside of Romania, or diaspora votes, have historically played a significant role in Romanian elections, especially when it comes to presidential campaigns. Călin Georgescu, an independent, garnered a significant amount of support from people outside of his hometown during the first round of this year’s presidential election, which propelled him to an entirely unexpected lead. Georgescu’s agenda, which emphasized nationalism and anti-corruption, struck a deep chord with Romanians living overseas, who frequently see themselves as remote participants in promoting political change.
Polling stations across Europe, including multiple locations in London, facilitated access for the estimated 1.2 million Romanian citizens eligible to vote outside the country. In East London, a station at the University of East London’s Stratford campus drew considerable attention, given its proximity to Rising East’s student community.
Polling stations in Greater London as Indicated by Romanian flags
With approximately 10% of Romania’s voting citizens living abroad, the diaspora’s participation highlights its influence on domestic policy. With maps highlighting polling locations more Romanians living abroad know where to vote. In London alone, stations were set up in Wembley, Barking, and Harrow, in addition to Stratford.
