BUCHAREST (Reuters) – Thousands of Romanians rallied outside the country’s high court on Friday to protest the cancellation of December’s presidential election in which a little-known pro-Russian candidate won the first phase.

Although small, protests have continued since December 6, when the Constitutional Court annulled the election two days before the second round. Its move came after state documents showed frontrunner Calin Georgescu benefited from an unfair social media campaign likely orchestrated by Russia.

Moscow denies any interference in the Romanian elections.

The decision to cancel the presidential election further undermined public trust in state institutions, polarized voters who were outraged by the political allegations of the main parties and strengthened right-wing and ultranationalist parties, which now has more than a third of the parliamentary seats.

Georgescu’s lawyer filed a request on Friday for the Constitutional Court to return the election results. Georgescu, who was not present, urged his supporters to participate.

Approximately 4,000 supporters gathered outside the courthouse with a mock coffin emblazoned with the word “Democracy”.

They waved national flags, carried Christian icons and portraits of Georgescu, and chanted “We want to vote” and “Bring back the second round”.

Romania’s ruling coalition agreed this week to go ahead with two-round presidential elections on May 4 and May 18, nearly six months after the canceled vote.

Outgoing President Klaus Iohannis, whose term ends on December 21, will remain as head of state until his successor is chosen.

It remains unclear whether Georgescu, who is critical of NATO and opposed to Romania’s support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion, will be allowed to run for president again.

Romania has the longest land border with Ukraine of any European Union and NATO member state. It helped export millions of tons of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea port of Constanta, trained Ukrainian fighter pilots and donated a Patriot air defense battery in Kyiv.