Romania’s mainstream political parties appeared on course to retain control of the country’s parliament, exit polls suggested after a general election on Sunday, despite big gains by nationalist far-right groups.

Despite the center-left victory, the strong showing of the far right is significant ahead of the presidency vote on Dec. 8.

Romanians cast ballots Sunday in a parliamentary election sandwiched between a two-round presidential race, the first of which has plunged the European Union and NATO member into unprecedented turmoil following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference.