Romanian court rules presidential impeachment vote invalid
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 August 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Romanian court rules presidential impeachment vote invalid, 21 August 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/503defa0c.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 21, 2012
Traian Basescu
Romania's Constitutional Court has ruled that a referendum to impeach President Traian Basescu was invalid.
The verdict reinstates Basescu, who was suspended by parliament on July 6.
The court decision was adopted by a vote of six to three.
Romania's ruling coalition, headed by leftist Prime Minister Victor Ponta, last month attempted to impeach the center-right Basescu, triggering a July 29 referendum that failed after voter turnout fell short of the required 50 percent.
Almost 90 percent of those who voted supported ousting Basescu, however, leading the ruling coalition to contest the authenticity of electoral registers and forcing the high court to rule on the vote's validity.
The referendum was marred by reports of widespread fraud by ruling authorities.
Basescu was elected to a second five-year term in 2009.
Based on reporting by AFP and hotnews.ro
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
