I agree, competitions for Translators/Editors should be separate from Reader competitions. Otherwise, in any popularity competition it is extremely probable that the TL/Ed would win since they have the most readily available exposure. This is only common sense!
It's disappointing, but not surprising, that Qidian is rigging the competition. It has long been apparent that Qidian lacks an ethical compass.
As far as the time is concerned:
Under the 24-hour clock system, the day begins at midnight, 00:00, and the last minute of the day begins at 23:59 and ends at 24:00, which is identical to 00:00 of the following day.
So Dec 27 24:00 GMT +8 = Dec 28 00:00 GMT +8
When it is listed as 24:00 it signifies the complete day, i.e. All of Dec 27th.