A historic decision from the Constitutional Court has shaken Romania’s political landscape, which has annulled the entire presidential election process. This ruling, announced on December 6, 2024, comes two days before the scheduled runoff between far-right candidate Călin Georgescu and centrist contender Elena Lasconi.
Background of the Decision
The court’s unanimous ruling voids the first round of voting held on November 24 and the upcoming runoff. The decision was prompted by allegations of irregularities and foreign interference, particularly concerning a coordinated Russian influence campaign that sought to promote Georgescu through social media platforms like TikTok. Declassified intelligence reports indicated that this campaign involved thousands of fake accounts aimed at swaying public opinion in favour of Georgescu, who had previously garnered significant attention despite minimal campaign spending.
Legal and Political Implications
According to Article 146(f) of the Romanian Constitution, the court’s ruling mandates a complete restart of the electoral process. The government is now tasked with setting a new election date, which could occur in February or March 2025. This development raises questions about the validity of candidates’ registrations and whether they can participate in the new elections.
Political reactions have been mixed. Some politicians are concerned that this decision undermines public trust in democratic processes. Critics argue that the court’s intervention reflects deeper issues within Romania’s electoral system and raises fears about judicial overreach in political matters.
Future Outlook
The annulment of the elections has significant implications for Romania’s governance. President Klaus Iohannis’s term expires on December 21, so his tenure will likely be extended due to this unprecedented situation. The ruling has ignited debates about the role of the Constitutional Court in validating elections, with some former judges arguing that its function should focus on confirming results rather than intervening based on suspicions of manipulation.
