Janice R. Andrews
The National School of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) is preparing to challenge the upcoming presidential election’s second round through a Constitutional Court petition. Rector Remus Pricopie has raised alarm about potential foreign manipulation, dramatically describing the situation as a potential “coup d’état” orchestrated by Russia.
Newly declassified intelligence documents, recently shared by the Presidential Administration on December 4, suggest coordinated attempts to interfere with Romania’s electoral process. The U.S. Department of State has expressed concern over these revelations, adding international weight to the allegations.
The electoral landscape has become increasingly complex. The Prosecutor General’s Office is investigating potential voter manipulation and campaign finance irregularities associated with independent candidate Călin Georgescu. While some politicians, including conservative candidate Cristian Terheș, have called for annulling the November 24 first-round results, the Constitutional Court has already validated those initial outcomes.
The first round saw Georgescu securing 23% of the vote, while Elena Lasconi garnered 19% and has since received unified support from pro-European parties. Despite the mounting controversy, Romania’s electoral authority chief, Toni Grebla, maintains that the existing results cannot be legally overturned.
The election is scheduled to proceed, with international voting beginning on Friday, December 6, and domestic voting set for Sunday, December 8. The ongoing situation underscores the increasing geopolitical complexities surrounding democratic processes in contemporary electoral systems.
