DIPLOMATIC officials pledged today to take steps to make sure that overseas citizens would have no trouble voting in Romania’s presidential runoff election on November 16.

The contestants will be Social Democrat Prime Minister Victor Ponta, who won about 40 per cent of Sunday’s initial vote, and National Liberal Klaus Iohannis, who won about 30 per cent. 

Hundreds of thousands of Romanians living overseas can vote from their countries of residence, but must do so in person at the Romanian embassies.

Angry protests broke out in London and Paris on Sunday after Romanians were unable to vote there, despite waiting in queues for hours. 

Voters also complained of being unable to vote in Munich and Vienna.

Mr Ponta ordered Romanian ambassadors and officials working at other facilities where ballots can be cast overseas to ensure that the problems do not recur during the runoff.

The winner will replace President Traian Basescu, who is stepping down after 10 years.