Early elections likely to be postponed by Constitutional Court ruling

The Constitutional Court has ruled that early elections, currently scheduled for October 9-10 and approved by Parliament via a constitutional amendment, may be unconstitional. Technically, the ruling postpones the enforceability of a presidential decree to declare early elections; President Klaus has said the decision’s effect will be to postpone early elections indefinitely.

The ruling was the result of a formal complaint brought by independent MP Miloš Melčák regarding the constitutionality of the amendment, which shorted the tenure of members of Parliament in order to initiate early elections. The complaint, which was filed last week, states that the amendment was a violation of Mr Melčák’s right to be elected and serve out his term of office, and maintains that the constitution provides for early elections only in “extraordinary moments”, such as a national emergency.

The Constitutional Court has emphasised that it will continue to review the case, saying it needs adequate time to reach a final verdict. The court also noted the possibility that the complaint could ultimately be dismissed.