The leader of Romania's pro-Russian far-right party, George Simion, has won the first round of the country’s presidential election on Sunday, according to official results, report Reuters and Digi24.ro.

As of 6am Monday, with almost 99.9% of ballots counted, capital Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan was in second place, with 20.99% of the vote, while Simion had 40.94%. The ruling coalition's candidate, Crin Antonescu, received 20.13%.

But the voting showed Simion with a larger advantage, with 60% of the votes, compared to Dan's 26%. The two will face off in a runoff on May 18.

"This is not just an electoral victory; it is a victory of Romanian dignity. It is the victory of those who have not lost hope, of those who still believe in Romania, a free, respected, sovereign country," Simion said.