The European Court of Human Rights on Thursday dismissed the appeal by hard-right presidential candidate Calin Georgescu against the cancellation of Romanian presidential election.
The decision, issued by a three-judge committee, is final.
The 62-year-old Romanian politician appealed the Constitutional Court’s December ruling invalidating the election. He unexpectedly won the first round but the court cancelled the election after reports of Russian interference.
He was also accused of violating electoral laws.In his appeal to the Strasbourg court, Georgescu said the Constitutional Court’s decision not only infringed upon his right to free elections but was also based on flimsy allegations, and was tainted by political interference.
Earlier this year, the European Court of Human Rights rejected his request to challenge Romania’s decision to annul the elections, saying the request “exceeds its competence.”
The court’s decision to annul the elections has led to protests organized by radical pro-Russia groups who decried the ruling.
Despite the uproar, the latest polls show Georgescu leading in public approval ratings, though it is unclear whether he will run in new May elections. Romanian prosecutors have indicted him on six charges including undermining the constitutional order and lying about his campaign finances.
Last month, outgoing Romanian President Klaus Iohannis stepped down, saying his resignation was a strategic move aimed at averting a looming political crisis in the country.
Russia takes aim at Romania for investigating ex-presidential candidate Călin Georgescu
