The Romanian Prime Minister, Victor Ponta, has conceded victory in the country’s presidential run-off to an ethnic German mayor, Klaus Iohannis.
“I called Mr Iohannis and I congratulated him,” Mr Ponta, a Social Democrat, told reporters.
Early official results are expected on Monday. Exit polls had suggested a tight race.
Romania is one of the most corrupt EU states, something which centre-right Mr Iohannis has vowed to tackle.
Despite the election result, Mr Ponta told a local television channel that he had “no reason to resign” as prime minister.
He had hoped to become the country’s youngest president, replacing the incumbent Traian Basescu who cannot stand for re-election after serving two terms, BBC informs.
