(MENAFN) Romania’s Constitutional Court has upheld the Central Electoral Bureau’s (BEC) decision to disqualify presidential candidate Calin Georgescu from participating in the upcoming May election, rejecting his appeal, according to the Associated Press.

On Tuesday, the court reaffirmed BEC’s ruling, citing over 1,000 challenges against Georgescu’s candidacy. The decision eliminates the election’s leading contender, who had been polling between 40% and 45% in recent surveys.

Following the announcement, Georgescu’s supporters gathered outside the court in Bucharest, chanting slogans such as “traitors” and “freedom,” while some held signs accusing the government of dictatorship.

Georgescu unexpectedly won 23% of the vote in the first round of Romania’s presidential election in November. However, the Constitutional Court annulled the results, citing alleged campaign “irregularities.” Known for his strong opposition to NATO, the EU, and support for Ukraine, Georgescu has been a controversial figure in Romanian politics.

Media reports suggest that the election irregularities may have been linked to a consulting firm associated with the pro-Western National Liberal Party (PNL). The firm allegedly sought to undermine another candidate but inadvertently boosted Georgescu’s campaign instead.

Last month, Georgescu was briefly arrested and charged with “promoting fascist, racist, or xenophobic ideologies” and plotting “anti-constitutional acts.” He has dismissed the accusations as politically motivated, claiming he is being targeted by Romania’s “deep state.”

Georgescu has also appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump for support. Billionaire Elon Musk, a close Trump ally, reacted to the situation, calling the decision to bar Georgescu “crazy.”

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