A new legislative proposal has been introduced in the Greek Parliament to facilitate postal voting for citizens living abroad and to create a distinct electoral district for the Greek diaspora.
The Greek Minister of Interior, Theodoros Livanios, has submitted a legislative proposal titled 'Establishment of an Electoral District for the Greek Diaspora – Facilitation of the exercise of voting rights for voters outside the country through postal voting for parliamentary elections.' This bill proposes significant reforms, which include allowing postal voting for Greek citizens residing outside Greece and establishing a discrete electoral district dedicated to the Greek diaspora with three representatives.
The introduction of postal voting is seen as a way to enhance participation among Greeks living abroad, as evidenced by the successful trial in the upcoming European elections scheduled for June 9, 2024. The initiative aims to strengthen the ties of expatriate Greeks with their homeland and ensure that they can exercise their voting rights conveniently from their place of residence. This change reflects the government's commitment to inclusivity for all Greek citizens, regardless of their geographic location.
However, for postal voting to be fully implemented in the national elections of 2027, a supermajority of two-thirds of the parliament is required, which poses a legislative challenge. The proposed bill not only addresses the immediate voting rights of expatriates but also paves the way for a more significant inclusion of the diaspora in the democratic processes of Greece, indicating a strategic move to engage with a vital segment of the Greek population residing abroad.
