Romania’s electoral body has rejected the candidacy of controversial far-right politician Diana Sosoaca in the presidential election rerun in May, but approved George Simion, the leader of the country’s most popular far-right party.

It’s a close question, given the role of Russia and the tender age of the country’s democracy.

Romania's populist far-right politician George Simion is making his bid for the country’s presidential election rerun in May as he seeks to rally nationalist voters after a controversial frontrunner was barred from the race last year.

By Luiza Ilie BUCHAREST (Reuters) -Romanian far-right presidential contender Calin Georgescu said on Monday he would challenge a decision to bar him from taking part in an election rerun in May, but analysts said his chances of standing were slim amid fears of Russian meddling.

Controversial politician Diana Sosoaca, who was barred by a top court from entering last year's presidential election, raises her hand wearing boxing gloves speaking outside the country's electoral authority after she registered an unlikely bid to enter the May rerun in Bucharest, Romania on March 13. (AP)

The leader of Romania’s largest far-right party will be allowed to take part in May’s presidential election after the previous frontrunner, whom he backed, was barred from the race.

Romania’s central election authority barred far-right candidate Calin Georgescu from competing in May’s presidential election re-run, not the European Union, contrary to misleading posts online.