Critics argue plans for joint elections in Romania violate constitution

Romania is facing a period of political upheaval as the ruling Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL) have formed a surprising alliance, triggering fears of a constitutional crisis and a rollback of democratic norms. Critics have labeled this move a "bloodless coup," accusing the government of undermining democratic processes. The alliance's decision to hold joint elections for the European Parliament (EP) and local officials has been strongly condemned, with opposition parties and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) arguing that it violates the Constitution and signals a return to "authoritarian" practices. The year 2024 is set to be a landmark year for Romania's post-communist democracy, with voters being called to the polls a record four times for separate elections, including those for the EP, local councils, Parliament and the Presidency. This intense electoral schedule has raised concerns about voter fatigue and the logistical challenges of managing multiple elections. To address these concerns, there have been proposals to merge some of the elections, such as combining local elections with the EP vote in June or aligning the Parliamentary elections with one of the Presidential rounds later in the year. However, critics argue that such consolidations would undermine the fundamental right of Romanians to freely express their will at the polls.
Read the full article here: Daily Sabah