Romania
Election results
Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections
Background
Election date(s)
The date when elections started and ended for directly or indirectly elected parliaments/chambers. The date of appointments for appointed parliaments/chambers.
11.12.2016
Timing of election
Timing of election: Upon normal expiry; Early elections; Delayed elections
Upon normal expiry
Number of seats at stake
Number of seats contested at the elections. Where the parliament/chamber is fully renewed, this number is usually identical to the statutory number of members. Where the parliament/chamber is partially renewed or appointed, the number of seats at stake is usually less than the total number of members.
329
Scope of elections
Scope of elections: Full renewal; Partial renewal.
Full renewal
Candidates
Total number of candidates
Total number of people who registered as candidates for election. Does not include people who stood as candidates to become "substitute members".
4,250
Notes
Number of seats at stake: 312 directly elected members and 17 members representing ethnic minorities.
If a legally established national minority does not win any seats in either chamber of Parliament, the citizens' organization representing that national minority is entitled to one seat in the Chamber of Deputies (under certain conditions). There are 19 legally established national minorities; the Czech and Slovak minorities are represented by one person. A maximum of 18 seats can therefore be allocated to national minorities. In 2016, 17 members representing ethnic minorities entered the Chamber of Deputies since the Hungarian Minorities are represented in the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR).
If a legally established national minority does not win any seats in either chamber of Parliament, the citizens' organization representing that national minority is entitled to one seat in the Chamber of Deputies (under certain conditions). There are 19 legally established national minorities; the Czech and Slovak minorities are represented by one person. A maximum of 18 seats can therefore be allocated to national minorities. In 2016, 17 members representing ethnic minorities entered the Chamber of Deputies since the Hungarian Minorities are represented in the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR).
Notes
A total of 6,476 candidates ran in the 2016 elections. They included 1,797 women, or 27.7%.
Number of parties contesting the election
This field may include either the number of parties contesting the election, or the number of coalitions/electoral alliance.
11
Voter turnout
Registration
Number of people registered to vote
18,403,044
Votes
Number of people who actually voted
7,323,368
Voter turnout
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of people who actually voted by the number of people registered to vote
39.79%
Results
About the election
Short description of the context and results of the election.
The Social Democratic Party (PSD), led by former Deputy Prime Minister Liviu Dragnea, became the largest force in both chambers of parliament but fell short of an outright majority. The PSD nevertheless took twice as many seats as the next largest party, the National Liberal Party (PNL). During the election campaign, the major parties focused on the economy, tax reform and job creation.
On 4 January 2017, parliament approved the formation of a coalition government comprising the PSD and the Liberal-Democrat Alliance (ALDE, led by Senate President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu). President Klaus Iohannis subsequently swore in the new government, headed by Mr. Sorin Grindeanu (PSD).
The 2016 elections were held under the new electoral system adopted in 2015. The previous Mixed Member Proportional System had frequently resulted in numerous overhang seats. All members in both chambers are now elected under the proportional representation system. As a consequence, the number of members in both chambers decreased following the 2016 elections: 329 members (including 17 ethnic minorities) in the Chamber of Deputies, down from 412; and 136 senators, down from 176.
On 4 January 2017, parliament approved the formation of a coalition government comprising the PSD and the Liberal-Democrat Alliance (ALDE, led by Senate President Calin Popescu-Tariceanu). President Klaus Iohannis subsequently swore in the new government, headed by Mr. Sorin Grindeanu (PSD).
The 2016 elections were held under the new electoral system adopted in 2015. The previous Mixed Member Proportional System had frequently resulted in numerous overhang seats. All members in both chambers are now elected under the proportional representation system. As a consequence, the number of members in both chambers decreased following the 2016 elections: 329 members (including 17 ethnic minorities) in the Chamber of Deputies, down from 412; and 136 senators, down from 176.
Number of parties winning seats
The number of parties which won parliamentary representation in the given election.
6
Percentage of parties winning seats
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of parties which won parliamentary representation by the number of parties contesting the election.
54.55%
Percentage of seats won by largest party or coalition
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of seats won by the largest party by the number of seats at stake in the election.
46.81%
Alternation of power after elections
The results of the elections caused a change in the government. "Not applicable" to countries using the presidential system when parliamentary and presidential elections are held separately, to countries in political transition or where there is no party system.
Not applicable
Note on the alternation of power
A technocrat government was formed before the elections.
Number of parties in government
The government may be formed by one or more political parties
2
Names of parties in government
The government may be formed by one or more political parties
Social Democratic Party (PSD), Liberal-Democrat Alliance (ALDE)
Parties or coalitions winning seats
| Political group | Total |
|---|---|
| Social Democratic Party (PSD) | 154 |
| National Liberal Party (PNL) | 69 |
| Save Romania Union (USR) | 30 |
| Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) | 21 |
| Liberal-Democrat Alliance (ALDE) | 20 |
| Popular Movement Party (PMP) | 18 |
| Members representing ethnic minorities | 17 |
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
261
Number of women elected
68
Percentage of women elected
The percentage is calculated by dividing the number of women elected in the election and the number of seats at stake at the election.
20.67%
Sources
Chamber of Deputies (19.12.2016)
Biroul Electoral Central
Fondation Robert Schuman
Euronews
VOA News
See News
Nine O'Clock
Biroul Electoral Central
Fondation Robert Schuman
Euronews
VOA News
See News
Nine O'Clock
Women Directly Elected
68
New legislature
Total number of men after the election
The total number of male parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
261
Total number of women after the election
The total number of female parliamentarians in this parliament/chamber following the election or renewal, regardless of their modes of designation.
68
First-term parliamentarians
The number of members who are assuming their parliamentary mandate for the first time following the election or renewal, regardless of their mode of designation.
197
Date of the first session
The date when the newly elected parliament/chamber was convened for the first time. It may be different from the date when members were sworn in.
21.12.2016
First Speaker of the new legislature
First Speaker of the new legislature
First name of the Speaker of the new legislature following the election or renewal.
Nicolae-Liviu
Dragnea
(Male)
Political party
Social Democratic Party (PSD)
Date of election
21.12.2016