Rome [Italy], December 7: Independent presidential candidate Calin Georgescu has called on Romania's Central Electoral Bureau (BEC) and Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP) to disregard the Constitutional Court's (CCR) decision that annulled the presidential election, and to allow the voting process to continue.
In a statement issued late Friday night after consulting his legal team, Georgescu emphasized that while the CCR's decision is mandatory, there are no legal sanctions for failing to implement it. Georgescu topped the first round of the presidential election on Nov. 24 and is to face off against Elena Lasconi in runoff scheduled for Dec. 8.
He argued that the responsibility to uphold democracy now lies with BEC and AEP, which he urged prioritizing the people's right to vote.
"The decision of the CCR is not contestable, however, any decision of the BEC or AEP can be appealed by Mr. Calin Georgescu to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, which will happen, in the name of the people and democracy," Georgescu declared.
The CCR annulled the election on Friday, citing systemic flaws and widespread violations of electoral laws that compromised the fairness of the process.
The ruling disrupted the presidential runoff between Georgescu and Lasconi, with voting already underway in the diaspora.
Meanwhile, the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism has opened a preliminary investigation into Georgescu's campaign.
Source: Xinhua