The presidential elections in Romania stay at the centre of both local and global public opinion. Following the controversial annulment of the first circular of elections by the Constitutional Court, right-wing politician Calin Georgescu addressed the European Court of Human Rights (ETPC) with a complaint. However, his complaint was rejected, which only exacerbates political chaos in the country.
Cancellation of the first circular of elections: Constitutional Court decision
Last December, the Romanian Constitutional Court decided to cancel the first circular of presidential elections. The main reason for this decision was the deficiency of a candidate from the Social Democratic Party, which is part of the ruling establishment. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the leader of this party, did not exposure his candidate, which, according to the court, affected the integrity of the election process.
Georgescu’s complaint rejected by ETPC
Calin Georgescu, who won the first circular of elections with the consequence of 23% of the vote, lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights. The politician argued that the Constitutional Court's decision violated his right to free elections and was the consequence of political interference by the ruling party. However, in January, the ECHR rejected its request, stating that the case was "out of its scope". The Court does not have the power to repeal the decision to annul the electoral process.
Political repercussions and social protests
The ECHR decision not only confirmed the annulment of the elections, but besides increased political tensions in Romania. Georgescu, although leading in polls, is not certain that he will be allowed to participate in repeated elections. A criminal investigation is being conducted against him on possible electoral abuses, which further complicates the situation. In consequence to the actions of the authorities, part of the public organises protests, demanding fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
Repeated elections and resignation of the President
The repeated presidential election is scheduled for May. The first circular will take place on 4 May, and a possible second circular 2 weeks later. Meanwhile, in February, Romania's president Klaus Iohannis stepped down. His decision was motivated by the desire to prevent further political crisis in the country.
Summary
The Romanian electoral crisis is an example of how complicated democratic processes can be in the face of political tensions and interference. The ECHR decision, although unfavourable to Georgesc, underlines the limitations of global institutions in interfering with home affairs of states. Now the eyes of all Europe are on Romania, where May elections can decide the future of this country.
Tags: presidential elections Romania, Calin Georgescu, European Court of Human Rights, Romanian Constitutional Court, political crisis, social protests, Marcel Ciolacu, Klaus Iohannis, repeated elections, election abuse
The presidential elections in Romania stay at the centre of both local and global public opinion. Following the controversial annulment of the first circular of elections by the Constitutional Court, right-wing politician Calin Georgescu addressed the European Court of Human Rights (ETPC) with a complaint. However, his complaint was rejected, which only exacerbates political chaos in the country.
Cancellation of the first circular of elections: Constitutional Court decision
Last December, the Romanian Constitutional Court decided to cancel the first circular of presidential elections. The main reason for this decision was the deficiency of a candidate from the Social Democratic Party, which is part of the ruling establishment. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, the leader of this party, did not exposure his candidate, which, according to the court, affected the integrity of the election process.
Georgescu’s complaint rejected by ETPC
Calin Georgescu, who won the first circular of elections with the consequence of 23% of the vote, lodged a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights. The politician argued that the Constitutional Court's decision violated his right to free elections and was the consequence of political interference by the ruling party. However, in January, the ECHR rejected its request, stating that the case was "out of its scope". The Court does not have the power to repeal the decision to annul the electoral process.
Political repercussions and social protests
The ECHR decision not only confirmed the annulment of the elections, but besides increased political tensions in Romania. Georgescu, although leading in polls, is not certain that he will be allowed to participate in repeated elections. A criminal investigation is being conducted against him on possible electoral abuses, which further complicates the situation. In consequence to the actions of the authorities, part of the public organises protests, demanding fairness and transparency in the electoral process.
Repeated elections and resignation of the President
The repeated presidential election is scheduled for May. The first circular will take place on 4 May, and a possible second circular 2 weeks later. Meanwhile, in February, Romania's president Klaus Iohannis stepped down. His decision was motivated by the desire to prevent further political crisis in the country.
Summary
The Romanian electoral crisis is an example of how complicated democratic processes can be in the face of political tensions and interference. The ECHR decision, although unfavourable to Georgesc, underlines the limitations of global institutions in interfering with home affairs of states. Now the eyes of all Europe are on Romania, where May elections can decide the future of this country.
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Romanian electoral crisis: ETPC rejects Georgesc's complaint, to nullify elections
