Romania's Constitutional Court on Monday validated the shock first-round result in the country's presidential election, setting the stage for a run-off vote on Dec. 8 that could upend its pro-Western orientation and undermine backing for Ukraine.

Romania’s top court ordered a vote recount in the first round of the presidential election, it said on Thursday, in a ruling observers said risked tarnishing the credibility of state institutions ahead of two more ballots.

Romanians cast ballots Sunday in a parliamentary election sandwiched between a two-round presidential race, the first of which has plunged the European Union and NATO member into unprecedented turmoil following allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference.