Romanian officials will meet Thursday to discuss possible cyber threats to its elections after a far-right pro-Russian candidate took a shock lead in its presidential vote. Far-right pro-Russia candidate Calin Georgescu secured a surprise lead in the presidential election -- knocking out premier Marcel Ciolacu -- with many questioning the role of social media in his shock surge.

Romania's top security body will meet on Thursday to discuss possible risks to the country and its electoral process stemming from social media, the president's office said, after the far-right's shock win in the first round of a presidential ballot.

In a surprising turn, far-right candidate Calin Georgescu won the first round of Romania's presidential elections, sparking debates on social media's influence. Accusations of algorithmic bias on TikTok have led to calls for an investigation.

After a far-right pro-Russia candidate secured a surprise lead in Romania's presidential election Monday, the eastern European NATO member is bracing for a high-stakes parliamentary vote on Sunday, am