According to the Permanent Electoral Authority of Romania, over 18 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at nearly 19,000 polling stations from 7 am to 9 pm local time (0500 to 1900 GMT).

Overseas voting began Friday, with a record number of 950 polling stations abroad, according to the electoral authority.

Under the Romanian Constitution, if no candidate secures a majority, a runoff will be held between the top two contenders in two weeks. The candidate who gets the most valid votes will be the winner.

Bucharest residents are also voting in a referendum on local governance and public health initiatives, including funding for drug prevention programs in schools, Xinhua news agency reported.

Romania's president serves a five-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms allowed.