The Greek Parliament has passed a new law aimed at easing voting requirements for Greek citizens residing abroad. The bill received support from 208 MPs, surpassing the required number by eight, and was backed by ruling parties New Democracy, PASOK-Movement for Change, Niki, and Course of Freedom. On the other hand, opposition parties SYRIZA and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) voted against it, while far-right parties Spartans and Greek Solution abstained.
The new law removes several restrictions that previously hindered Greek citizens abroad from participating in elections. These restrictions included having resided in Greece for at least two years during the last 35 years before voting and having filed taxes during the current or previous year of the elections. The lifting of these restrictions fulfills an election pledge by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
During the parliamentary debate, Mitsotakis called on all parties to support the bill, emphasizing that it is an issue that transcends party lines and should unite the nation. He stressed that the government had been striving to empower Greek voters abroad since 2019, and this legislation represents a great leap forward in correcting previous shortcomings.
“We are dealing with an issue that is above party lines. It is an issue that should unite us. The first bill that lifts all restrictions to the right to vote by Greeks who live outside Greece,” Mitsotakis said addressing the parliament.
“We are bridging our relationship with the Greek diaspora in every corner of the globe. We have the opportunity to promote a bold measure without party colors and a national stamp. A victory of parliament, a victory of democracy. I call on you all to together approve the lifting of all obstacles to voting by registered voters abroad from their place of residence,” the Greek PM added.
The new law will now allow Greek nationals living permanently abroad, as well as those abroad on election day, to participate in Greek elections without facing the aforementioned restrictions. In the 2023 general elections held in May and June, Greeks residing abroad were granted the right to vote for the first time, but the voter turnout from the diaspora was low, with only 22,816 out of millions of Greeks around the world exercising their voting rights.
With the new law, the Greek government aims to strengthen ties with the Greek diaspora and promote a bold measure that enhances democracy. The legislation reflects a victory for democracy and will potentially enable a larger number of registered Greek voters abroad to have a say in future elections.
