Cyprus Must Nominate New ECHR Judges After Rejection
Cyprus is facing a significant challenge after its list of three nominees for the position of judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) was rejected. Although the nominees met the criteria set by Cyprus, they failed to impress the ECHR election committee. The situation has raised concerns and questions about the next steps for Cyprus in nominating new ECHR judges.
Why Were the ECHR Judges Nominees Rejected?
The three women nominated for the ECHR judges’ positions were Elena Ephraim, Natasa Mavronikola, and Marika Papathoma Kalligerou. Despite meeting the criteria set by Cyprus, their names were returned by the ECHR election committee. According to Theodoros Gotsis, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, the nominees met all the necessary qualifications. However, one of the candidates did not satisfy the committee during the interviews, leading to the rejection of the entire list.
What Happens When ECHR Judges Nominees Are Rejected?
According to lawyer and MP Kostis Efstathiou, the return of a list of nominees for ECHR judges is not unprecedented. He noted that it happens quite often for various reasons, including omissions at the national level or concerns about transparency. When such divergences are noticed during the interviews, the list is sent back, and a new one must be submitted. This ensures that all candidates are equally qualified and capable, preventing any favoritism.
The Process of Re-Nominating ECHR Judges
The rejection means that Cyprus must now submit a new list of candidates for the position of ECHR judges. The rejected list was initially recommended by a committee appointed by the Cypriot cabinet, which included high-profile members such as the president of the Supreme Constitutional Court, the attorney-general, the foreign minister, the justice minister, and the president of the Cyprus Bar Association.
Gotsis explained that while the procedure followed by the Cypriot committee was deemed appropriate by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the ECHR election committee had the final say. The committee decided that something went wrong during the interviews, necessitating a new list of nominees.
Cyprus’s Response to the Rejection of ECHR Judges Nominees
Gotsis emphasized that the government is awaiting written notification on the results of the interviews. Once this is received, Cyprus will respond appropriately. If necessary, a revised proposal with new candidates for ECHR judges will be submitted. The government remains confident that the process followed by its committee was correct and that the qualifications of the candidates were sufficient. However, they are prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure that their next list meets the requirements of the ECHR election committee.
Expert Opinions on the Rejection of ECHR Judges Nominees
Several legal experts have weighed in on the situation. Lawyer Achilleas Emilianides noted that this was the first time a Cypriot list of ECHR judges nominees had been rejected. He pointed out that while the legal committee of the Council of Europe had confirmed that all three candidates met the criteria, issues arose during the interviews. This suggests that the problem was not with the candidates’ qualifications but with their performance in the interview process.
Efstathiou added that the rejection was not necessarily a reflection on the nominees’ qualifications but rather on the differences in their interview performances. He stressed that for a list of ECHR judges nominees to be accepted, all candidates must be equally qualified, and any disparities in their capabilities could result in the rejection of the entire list.
The Importance of the ECHR Judges Selection Process
The selection process for ECHR judges is crucial, as these judges play a significant role in upholding human rights across Europe. The process involves two phases: first, a national selection procedure in which each state submits a list of three qualified candidates; second, an election process conducted by PACE, where a special parliamentary committee assesses the candidates’ qualifications and the fairness of the national selection procedure.
For Cyprus, this process is even more significant, given the high standards expected of ECHR judges. Candidates must be of high moral character, possess the qualifications required for appointment to high judicial office, and have recognized legal competence. They must also have an active knowledge of English or French and at least a passive knowledge of the other language.
Moving Forward: Cyprus’s Next Steps
With the rejection of its initial list of ECHR judges nominees, Cyprus must now regroup and prepare a new list of candidates. The government is committed to ensuring that the next list meets the ECHR’s standards, and they will be carefully selecting nominees who can successfully navigate the interview process.
This development has highlighted the complexities involved in nominating ECHR judges and the importance of thorough preparation for the interview stage. Cyprus’s experience serves as a reminder to other nations of the high expectations and rigorous standards upheld by the ECHR.
If you have any news which you want to share, you can send us, we will post it on our platform Click here
Panjabi, Bollywood, Hollywood (English & Dubbed) movies online, Click here
