Romania Electoral Body Rejects Calin Georgescu’s Candidacy in Election Rerun
Romania’s electoral body has rejected Calin Georgescu’s candidacy for the presidential election rerun, following allegations of Russian interference and ongoing legal issues. The Constitutional Court annulled previous results, and the election is set for May 4. The decision can be appealed within 24 hours.
On Sunday, Romania’s electoral body rejected Calin Georgescu’s candidacy for the presidential election rerun. This decision followed the initial round of last year’s election where Georgescu, a far-right populist, had gained significant traction before a court annulled the results. He filed his candidacy on Friday, and the Central Election Bureau (BEC) had a 48-hour period to respond, resulting in the rejection without immediate clarification of the grounds.
The BEC indicated that a detailed explanation regarding their decision would be made available on their website. Furthermore, this decision may be contested in the Constitutional Court within a 24-hour timeframe. The rejection occurs after the Constitutional Court annulled earlier election results, citing claims of Russian interference promoting Georgescu’s campaign, which he labeled an “officialized coup” against democracy.
The reaction from George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, criticized the BEC’s ruling as “a new abuse and a continuation of the coup d’état,” particularly targeting Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu in his statements. In addition to these political challenges, Georgescu is currently facing legal scrutiny, including a criminal investigation for alleged incitement against the constitutional order and connections to extremist groups.
Despite being under judicial control and lacking financial backing, Georgescu previously registered low polling figures in the single digits prior to the Nov. 24 election. Allegations regarding electoral violations and foreign manipulation continued to surface, with Russia denying any involvement. The upcoming presidential election first round is set for May 4, followed by a potential runoff on May 18, with the candidacy deadline of March 15, midnight.
In summary, the rejection of Calin Georgescu’s candidacy by Romania’s electoral body highlights significant political tensions surrounding the presidential election rerun amid allegations of Russian interference. The response from political figures and ongoing legal investigations further complicate the electoral landscape. The upcoming election dates will be critical as Romania navigates these challenges.
Original Source: www.clickorlando.com
