Romania’s electoral body has rejected the candidacy of controversial far-right politician Diana Sosoaca in the presidential election rerun in May, but approved George Simion, the leader of the country’s most popular far-right party.

Romanian far-right presidential contender Calin Georgescu said on Monday he would challenge a decision to bar him from taking part in an election rerun in May, but analysts said his chances of standing were slim amid fears of Russian meddling.

Romania's populist far-right politician George Simion is making his bid for the country’s presidential election rerun in May as he seeks to rally nationalist voters after a controversial frontrunner was barred from the race last year.