Romanian Electoral Body Rejects Far-Right Candidate Calin…

Romania’s electoral body has rejected Calin Georgescu’s candidacy for the presidential rerun after a previous annulment of election results due to alleged foreign interference. Supporters, including George Simion, decry the decision as undemocratic. Georgescu faces a criminal investigation while the election process continues, with the first round set for May 4.

The Central Election Bureau of Romania has formally rejected the candidacy of Calin Georgescu for the upcoming presidential election rerun. Despite securing a victory in the initial round of last year’s election, the outcome was annulled by the Constitutional Court. Georgescu, aged 62, submitted his candidacy on Friday in Bucharest, with the BEC having a 48-hour timeframe for registration or rejection.

The reasons for the rejection remain unclear; however, the BEC announced plans to publish a detailed explanation on its website. Georgescu has the option to appeal this decision at the Constitutional Court within 24 hours. The BEC’s action follows allegations of a coordinated online campaign by Russia purportedly to promote Georgescu prior to the annulled election. He described the court’s previous ruling as an “officialized coup” against democracy.

George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, expressed his support for Georgescu and condemned the BEC’s decision as indicative of ongoing undemocratic actions, referring to it as a “new abuse”. Additionally, he criticized Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in a post on social media.

Georgescu is currently facing a criminal investigation led by prosecutors, who allege incitement against constitutional order and support for fascist groups, among other accusations. Controversially, he has denied any misconduct. Despite polling low ahead of the now-rescheduled vote, allegations of electoral misconduct and foreign interference have surrounded his candidacy.

The first round of the rerun election is set for May 4, with a potential runoff slated for May 18 if no candidate achieves over 50% of the vote. The final deadline for presidential candidacy filings is March 15 at midnight.

The rejection of Calin Georgescu’s candidacy by the Romanian electoral body highlights ongoing political tensions within the country, particularly surrounding allegations of foreign interference in elections. The situation is compounded by a criminal investigation against Georgescu, and his supporters’ strong reactions point towards a charged electoral atmosphere. With the rerun scheduled for May, the implications of these developments will be closely observed.

Original Source: www.durangoherald.com