In 1859, a double election created the modern state of Romania
By exploiting a clever legal loophole, Alexandru Ioan Cuza was elected prince of two separate territories on the same day, effectively forcing the creation of the modern nation of Romania.
In 1859, the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia were technically separate entities under Ottoman suzerainty. However, the Great Powers had not explicitly forbidden the same person from being elected to both thrones. Seizing this opportunity, local patriots elected Alexandru Ioan Cuza as Prince of Moldavia in January, and then as Prince of Wallachia on February 5th.
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