The Constitutional Court has postponed the deadline for the recount of presidential elections to December 2, the day after parliamentary elections.
The decision came as tensions mount about the validity of the elections with some questioning whether there was foreign interference after a pro-Russian candidate defied polls and expectations to win the November 24 first round.
There are also questions about the fairness of the recount, an unprecedented development in Romania. Students and others have protested against the chaotic outcome and the presence of Calin Georgescu, who, in the past, has praised fascist wartime figures.
The National Liberal Party on Friday protested that the wife of a Social Democratic lawmaker was counting the votes of her husband’s boss, Marcel Ciolacu, who narrowly came third in the race and didn’t make it to the runoff.
Mr. Ciolacu has announced he will not run again, even if the result is overturned and he comes second.
Initially, the court had asked the Central Electoral Bureau to complete the recount by Friday afternoon, but the time was too short.
Romania is to hold parliamentary elections on December 1 with the results of the presidential first round and post-electoral turmoil expected to influence the result.
In a related development, the court is expected to rule on Wednesday whether new elections should be held, a decision which depends on the outcome of the recount.
The runoff, which is slated by December 8, is currently in limbo.
Romania’s PM announces he won’t run for president even if he qualifies for runoff after vote recount
