Romanian voters are facing extreme weather conditions on their way to the polling stations for today's (December 9 ) elections. Romania's National Meteorological Administration issued a code yellow warning for snow, heavy rain and strengthening high winds in many counties across the country. Earlier today, PM Victor Ponta said that he was in contact with local authorities and that all polling stations were open.

Turnout at the 18,456 polling stations in Romania had reached 4.52 percent of the electorate by 10:00 this morning and by 14:00 the figure had risen to 20.56 percent, according to the country's electoral commission. Local media reports suggest that turnout is higher than in the 2008 elections. Romanians are voting today for 315 deputies and 137 senators in the two chambers of the country's government.

editor@romania-insider.com