The Plenary of Parliament approved by majority vote the bill of the Ministry of the Interior titled “Designation of an Electoral Constituency for the Greek Diaspora – Facilitation of the Exercise of Voting Rights for Voters Outside the Territory through Postal Voting in Parliamentary Elections”, following a roll-call vote, in accordance with the constitutional provision.

The provisions concerning the introduction and availability of postal voting for citizens residing outside the country received more than 200 affirmative votes and will apply starting from the next national elections. The provisions concerning the creation of an electoral constituency for the Greek Diaspora did not obtain the required two-thirds majority of votes. This means that they will not apply in the upcoming national elections, nor in the event of repeat elections (with party lists), but only in elections that will again be held using the preference vote system.

More specifically, the provisions concerning the establishment of a three-seat electoral constituency for the Greek Diaspora, the number of MPs representing it, the right of political parties to submit candidate lists (only parties that have candidate lists in three-quarters of the total constituencies in the country), the adaptation of existing legislation, the setting of campaign spending limits for Diaspora candidates, and the entry into force of these provisions did not receive the constitutionally required majority of 200 affirmative votes. As a result, these provisions will not apply in the upcoming national elections.

By contrast, the provisions aimed at facilitating the exercise of voting rights by Greek citizens residing outside the country were approved. These include the possibility of voting by post or in person, the choice of voting method by voters abroad, the adaptation of special electoral registers, the upgrade of the voter registration system for Greeks abroad, the relevant application deadlines, the organization of polling stations, and the procedures for postal ballots and the announcement of election results. Consequently, the option of postal voting for Greeks living abroad will apply from the next national elections.

(Source: www.amna.gr )

Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios, concluding the two-day debate in the Plenary, stressed that “postal voting can operate safely and reliably and it strengthens participation. The Diaspora constituency ensures authentic representation and a genuinely distinct voice for Greeks abroad in Parliament”. Offering a brief historical overview, the minister said that the bill resolves an outstanding issue concerning the vote of Greeks abroad that stems from the 1975 Constitution, for which, for various reasons, no implementing law had ever been enacted. Referring to the legislative initiatives undertaken over the years, Mr Livanios noted that many successive attempts had been made, but that the time is now ripe to take this step, both with regard to the right to vote and the right to stand for election for Greeks living abroad.

The minister noted that significant progress has been made thanks to technological developments adopted in the transmission of election results. He clarified that election results are not issued by the Ministry of the Interior, but by the Courts of First Instance across the country. The company that is used— the same one for many years— simply transmits the results on election night for the information of citizens. Regarding the bill, Mr. Livanios said that it was examined in three meetings of the cross-party committee, where the discussion focused specifically on its provisions. He also noted that changes were made during this process.

Concerning the choice of a single three-seat constituency for Greeks abroad, he explained that this is the best option in order to avoid single-party representation, which could occur if an equal number of single-member constituencies were created. The minister also clarified once again that the creation of this special constituency does not prevent political parties from including additional Diaspora candidates in electable positions on their nationwide party lists.

The minister announced that in the coming days, the cross-party committee at the Ministry will be convened again to discuss registration applications, how there should be a formal channel of communication between the Greek state and Greeks abroad, and the initial details regarding the organization of postal voting. Regarding a census of the Greek Diaspora, he noted that this is not feasible, but the registration applications will provide a general idea of their numbers. Concerning the limit on campaign expenses, he explained that it is set precisely to prevent millionaire candidates from dominating, and the limit is three times higher for Diaspora candidates, which he considers reasonable. On the proposed preference vote system, he observed that this serves as a guarantee of accountability, ensuring that the elected Diaspora MP will advocate for their constituents’ concerns in the Hellenic Parliament, rather than the other way around.

Mr. Livanios noted that the legislative improvements made addressed the observations raised by the Ombudsman, and that provisions will be in place to ensure an alternative method of registration in the electoral rolls, since the aim is not to exclude those who do not have Taxisnet codes, as this would reintroduce the problems related to previous limits. The Interior Minister also stated that the difference compared to 2024, when changes to postal voting were introduced for the European elections, is that “we now have practical results, as everyone has seen how it worked. Our experience has shown that postal voting can operate safely, reliably, and it enhances participation.”

(Source: www.amna.gr)

The post Postal Voting for Greeks Abroad Starting from the Next National Elections appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

In a landmark move aimed at facilitating voters' rights, Greece has launched an online platform for postal voting registration. Within just two days of its launch, more than 8,000 Greek citizens residing abroad have already registered on the platform, indicating a strong initial response. On the sixth day since registration opened, the number of applications soared to 11,300. These applications hail from Greece as well as from 76 other countries, predominantly within the European Union. A noteworthy trend is the participation of members of the Greek Diaspora residing in countries with a limited Greek presence, such as Kenya, Kazakhstan, and even Papua New Guinea.

While the level of interest in the European elections may not match that of national elections, it is anticipated that the number of Greeks abroad participating in the June 9 electoral process will surpass previous years. This is attributed to the removal of legal restrictions that were in place for Greeks residing abroad during the May and June 2023 national elections, coupled with the logistical challenges of accessing distant polling stations. In the previous parliamentary elections, nearly 23,000 Greeks living abroad were registered in the special electoral lists. Out of these, approximately 18,000 and 15,600 individuals cast their votes in May and June, respectively.

Officially inaugurated on Monday, February 19, the online platform provides the option of postal voting for participating in European elections and national referendums. This initiative, following the recent passage of the relevant law through Parliament, marks the first time postal voting has been established in Greece.

The platform allows all Greek citizens registered in the electoral rolls, regardless of their location, to exercise their right to vote via postal ballots. Notably, Greeks living abroad can exclusively participate in the upcoming European elections through postal voting. As registration for the June 9 European Parliament elections must be completed by April 29, citizens are encouraged to utilize the online platform and exercise their voting rights effectively.

To register, voters can access the platform http:/epistoliki.ypes.gov.gr, using their taxis codes if they have one, otherwise they can utilize their passport details, police ID card and/ or municipality number. For detailed information on voting procedures and the documents needed, citizens can refer to the official government website at: https://www.gov.gr/en/ipiresies/polites-kai-kathemerinoteta/ekloges/postal-vote

Explaining the procedure, Minister of Interior Niki Kerameus emphasized that any registered citizen can request postal voting. Citizens within Greece can seek assistance from Citizen Service Centers (KEP), while voters outside Greece can contact relevant Greek Consular Authorities for support (Consulates, Embassies Consular Offices).

For the upcoming European Parliament elections on June 9, citizens must declare their location for May and specify the address for receiving voting materials. Completed forms must be dispatched via registered mail, at no cost to the voter, ensuring timely delivery by June 8, the day preceding the elections.

The Interior Ministry will provide voting materials to registered individuals in May, ensuring a seamless process for remote voting. Furthermore, Greek embassies in EU member states are conducting information campaigns, underscoring the importance of citizen participation in the electoral process.

This platform's activation is an important milestone, especially significant for the Greek Diaspora as it removes geographical barriers to voting rights for Greek citizens living abroad. By embracing postal voting, the Greek Diaspora can contribute to shaping the future of their homeland, reaffirming their connection to Greece and their commitment to democratic principles.  When it comes to Greeks living in Greece, it particularly benefits groups such as elderly citizens, seasonal workers, citizens with disabilities, and students amidst examination periods.

The introduction of the online postal voting platform signifies a progressive step towards enhancing democratic participation and inclusivity in Greece, setting a precedent for future electoral processes.

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