The Ministry of the Interior is bringing a bill that enables Greeks living abroad to vote without restrictions.

Here are questions and answers about the proposed bill

1. What changes with the new bill regarding the vote of Greeks abroad compared to what was in force until today?

All restrictions on the exercise of the right to vote for Greeks who are registered in the electoral rolls and either live permanently abroad, or are abroad on election day, are lifted.

In 2019, the Government of the New Republic proposes a law according to which for the first time Greek citizens who are permanently or temporarily abroad, acquire the right to be registered in special electoral lists of foreign voters and to exercise their right to vote from abroad. In order for the regulation to take effect, it had to be voted by at least 200 (out of 300) MPs. In the context of achieving the necessary consensus of at least 200 MPs, additional conditions were established – following proposals from the opposition parties – for the exercise of the right to vote from abroad, i.e. that they must have resided in the Greek Territory for a total of 2 years during the last 35 years old and have submitted a tax return in the current or previous tax year. However, these restrictions made it difficult for the vast majority of voters to participate in the elections, and that is exactly why it is proposed to abolish them.

2. Who is affected by this bill?

It concerns Greek citizens who:

  • whether they are permanent residents abroad
  • or happen to be abroad on the date of the election

and who are registered in the electoral rolls.

The possibility is therefore given to all these Greek citizens to exercise the right to vote from abroad without restrictions.

3. Why is it important that there are no restrictions on the exercise of the right to vote of Greeks abroad?

To strengthen the equal treatment of voters, regardless of their place of residence or their temporary absence from the country.

4. Does the Constitution provide for no restrictions on the exercise of the right to vote from abroad?

Yes. The Constitution, in article 54 par. 4, gives the possibility but not the obligation to establish restrictions on the exercise of the right to vote from abroad. It is therefore up to the Hellenic Parliament whether or not there will be restrictions on the exercise of this right. The Government’s proposal is that there should be no more restrictions, thus strengthening the equal treatment of all members of the electoral body. Besides, these fellow citizens of ours can travel to Greece and vote without any restrictions. Now, they will be able to exercise their right to vote abroad without restrictions.

5. Why is the passing of this bill a historic opportunity?

Because it is a matter of respect for the basic democratic right to participate in the elections of Greek citizens living abroad. Greek expatriates are the soul and voice of Greece abroad. We have a duty to facilitate them in exercising their right to vote. This is a democratic debt and a historic opportunity, which is why the responsibility that falls on every Member of Parliament is great. It is a question of democracy, above and beyond parties.