Romania’s top court has ordered a recount of Sunday’s presidential election votes following allegations that social media platform TikTok unfairly favored surprise frontrunner Calin Georgescu. The unprecedented move marks the first full recount in the country’s post-Communist history.

Georgescu, a far-right candidate with no political party, secured 23% of the vote, edging out Elena Lasconi of the opposition Save Romania Union, who garnered 19%. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, representing the governing Social Democrats, placed third. Georgescu is set to face Lasconi in a runoff election on December 8.

Georgescu’s campaign relied heavily on TikTok, where his following surged from 30,000 to over 330,000 in just two weeks, amassing over 4 million likes. Romania’s Supreme Council of National Defence accused TikTok of failing to adhere to electoral rules, claiming it did not mark Georgescu as a political candidate in certain videos.

TikTok has categorically denied any preferential treatment. In a statement, the platform said, “It is categorically false to claim his account was treated differently to any other candidate,” and noted that flagged videos were addressed within 24 hours.

Georgescu himself dismissed accusations of impropriety, stating, “The budget of this campaign was zero… Romanian people need freedom. Real democracy means spirituality. God. Our land. Our property. Our soul. Our family.”

The Central Election Bureau is now tasked with organizing the recount, setting a deadline, and mobilizing personnel to ensure accuracy. Opposition candidate Elena Lasconi urged the bureau to act fairly, saying, “The law must be the same for all, not interpreted differently for some.”

Protests erupted in Bucharest and other cities, with anti-Georgescu demonstrators expressing concerns over his pro-Russia stance and far-right rhetoric. Georgescu, in turn, called on his supporters to “stay home with friends and family” and avoid confrontation.

The recount adds a layer of uncertainty to Romania’s electoral process as Georgescu and Lasconi prepare for a decisive runoff. Outgoing President Klaus Iohannis emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness, calling for trust in the recount process.

Supporters of Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan, have temporarily halted their protests after a forceful crackdown by authorities in Islamabad. The demonstrations, organized by Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had been aimed at securing his release but were met with heavy police resistance on Tuesday.

Protesters, who had vowed to remain in the capital until Khan’s release, breached security barriers and gathered at Democracy Square. However, their march was met with volleys of tear gas and strong police action, leading to clashes that resulted in six fatalities—four security personnel and two civilians.

By sunset, authorities had successfully dispersed the demonstrators, preventing further unrest. On Wednesday, PTI announced the “temporary suspension” of the protests, citing the “government’s brutality” during the crackdown.

The protests began on Sunday, escalating tensions in a politically volatile environment. While the demonstrations have paused for now, PTI’s decision to retreat signals a potential shift in strategy as it continues to challenge the government’s actions against Khan.

In the wake of a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, thousands of displaced residents are heading back to their homes in southern Lebanon. The region, a stronghold of Hezbollah, has seen a significant movement of families returning, despite warnings from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to delay their return.

Traffic jams have formed along the main highway between Beirut and the south, with vehicles loaded with families, luggage, mattresses, and other belongings. Many cars display Hezbollah flags waving from their windows, symbolizing support for the group.

Israeli forces remain stationed in parts of southern Lebanon, with their withdrawal expected to unfold gradually over the 60-day ceasefire period. Meanwhile, the Lebanese military has pledged to strengthen its presence in the area, planning to deploy an additional 5,000 soldiers. The military announced it was taking “necessary measures” to complete its deployment and ensure stability in the region.

Despite Israeli warnings to avoid the area for safety reasons, many displaced individuals are eager to return, reflecting the deep connection to their homeland and a desire to rebuild their lives.