How Greeks Abroad Will Vote After the Approval of Postal Voting

During its Plenary Session on March 4 the Greek Parliament passed the electoral bill submitted by the Mitsotakis government with the required super majority of 200 votes – specifically, it received 201 ‘yes’ votes. The path has thus opened for Greeks living abroad to participate in the next national elections by voting from their place of residence. On the other hand, the provision for a special three-member electoral district for Greeks abroad did not receive the support of two-thirds of Parliament. Having passed with a simple majority, it will be implemented in elections following the next round, which is expected in 2027.

How Voting Will Be Conducted

Greeks residing abroad will vote by mail, sending a ballot from the party of their choice. No preference vote (the ‘cross’ or ‘X’) will be marked on the ballot; it will include only the nationwide at large party list, just as was done in the 2023 elections when Greeks abroad voted at special polling stations set up in consular offices.

Parties will be required in the next election to include at least one candidate from the Greek diaspora among the first three positions of the nationwide party list. Votes from abroad will be counted toward the overall nationwide results for seat allocation.

The same procedure will also apply in the event of repeat elections that may occur immediately.

What Will Not Apply Immediately

As noted above, the provisions for creating a separate electoral district for Greeks abroad did not reach the required constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority in Parliament. Therefore, they will not apply in the next elections.

This regulation will only take effect in future elections that are conducted with preference voting, however. For example, if the next national elections are held in March 2027, the electoral district for Greeks abroad will come into effect for elections held after September 2028.

How the Parties Voted

The vote attracted strong political interest, as the articles of the bill received between 201 and 207 votes, surpassing the 200-vote threshold required by the Constitution for implementing postal voting in national elections.

The main provisions were supported by New Democracy and PASOK, as well as several independent MPs, including Antonis Samaras. Other MPs who voted in favor include Charalampos Katsivardas, Ralia Christidou, Theodora Tzakri, Burhan Buran, Giorgos Aspiotis, Kyriaki Malama, Giota Poulou, Athina Linou, Evangelos Apostolakis, Michalis Chourdakis, Konstantinos Floros, and Panagiotis Paraskevaidis.

On the other hand, the Plefsi Eleftherias party voted in favor of only one article of the bill.

What Minister of Interior Thodoris Livanios Said in His Speech

Before the vote, during the parliamentary discussion, Minister of Interior Thodoris Livanios addressed the opposition parties, asking them “to trust every Greek living abroad, whether part of the Diaspora or post-economic crisis migration. Vote in favor of both postal voting and the Electoral District of Greeks Abroad and do not delay its creation until after 2031.”

“Postal Voting Can Function Safely”

Minister Livanios stressed that “postal voting can function safely and reliably, and enhances participation. The district for Greeks abroad ensures authentic representation and a distinct voice for Greeks living abroad in Parliament.”

Looking back, the minister said this closes a long-standing issue regarding the vote of Greeks abroad stemming from the 1975 Constitution, but which for various reasons, no implementing law had ever been passed. Regarding legislative efforts over the years, he noted that many successive attempts had been made, but now the time is right to take this step for both the right to vote and to stand for election for Greeks living abroad.

Referring to the registration of Greeks in the Diaspora, he said a complete count is not feasible, but applications will give a rough estimate. Regarding the limit on pre-election spending, he said this is set to prevent millionaire candidates and is set at three times the standard amount, which he considers reasonable.

Regarding the proposed preference vote (the cross), he observed that it provides accountability and ensures that the elected Diaspora MP will promote the requests of Greeks abroad in Parliament, not the other way around.

He also noted that legislative improvements have addressed comments from the Ombudsman, and measures will be taken to allow alternative registration methods for voters without TaxisNet codes, so as not to exclude anyone and to avoid past problems with voting limits.

The Minister of Interior concluded by saying that the difference from 2024, when postal voting changes were made for European elections, is that “we now have practical results, as everyone has seen how it worked. Our experience has shown that postal voting can function safely and reliably and enhances participation.”

Source: https://www.thenationalherald.com/how-greeks-abroad-will-vote-after-the-approval-of-postal-voting/

FOTO: NEOS KOSMOS