Romanian far-right presidential candidate barred from poll re-run
- 9 March, 16:16
Romania’s central election authority on Sunday barred far-right, populist Romanian presidential candidate Călin Georgescu from running in May’s election re-run.
The rejection of Georgescu’s candidacy was condemned by far-right party leaders and is likely to be challenged at the constitutional court. Dozens of supporters of the pro-Russian candidate gathered outside of the central election bureau to protest the decision that was announced on Sunday evening. Georgescu now has 24 hours from Sunday's verdict to submit an official appeal, which should issue a ruling within 72 hours.
In December, Georgescu won the first round of the vote that the Romania's constitutional court annulled due to allegations of Russian meddling. Georgescu called the decision a "direct blow" to democracy. He was arrested on February 26 on his way to register as a candidate in the summer election, triggering thousands-strong protest rally in capital Bucharest.
