Independent presidential candidate John Ion Banu-Muscel said on Sunday that he voted for a change in the current political class and for 'a national plan' that will lead to 'the development and well-being of citizens.'

'I voted with the sincerest thoughts, I came because the question is: why am I here? I came for change. I believe that Romania, but more importantly, the citizens of Romania, need a change that can be achieved, first and foremost, through the voice of the people, and this way, the social class, or more specifically, the political class, should be the first to be changed. (...) It is the work we want to do with a plan for Romania, for the development, the well-being of the citizens, and even more so, for the perpetuation of Romania, which is the homeland of our nation,' Banu-Muscel said on Sunday, after casting his vote at a polling station at Maria Rosetti Middle School.

He emphasised that the change he spoke of can only be made through 'the will of the people.'

'That is why we must give a voice to the people and we must follow it. (...) And with this, once again, I tell you that I love you, let us be loved and protected by God! Let us move forward with the people for the well-being and permanent existence of Romania within the European Union. Let us be loved!,' Banu-Muscel said.

Alongside the independent candidate were also a few of his supporters, who applauded him at the end of his statement. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Florea; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)