Bill introduced to allow Greek citizens abroad to vote by post
The bill, titled “Definition of Overseas Greeks’ Electoral District – Facilitation of the Exercise of Voting Rights by Voters Beyond the Greek Territory through Postal Voting in Parliamentary Elections,” extends postal voting to parliamentary elections, following its implementation in the most recent European Parliament elections.
Under the proposed legislation, a single electoral district for overseas Greek citizens would be established, allocating three parliamentary seats.
Government officials held consultations with parliamentary parties ahead of the bill’s submission, while an informal interparty committee convened three times to discuss the framework.
To be ready for 2027 national elections
To pass, the bill requires a two-thirds majority of the 300-member Parliament. If approved, the new provisions will take effect in the 2027 national elections. Should it fail to secure the necessary majority, the current system—requiring voters abroad to cast ballots in person at designated polling stations—will remain in place.
The draft law is scheduled for its first reading on Thursday at a joint session of the Standing Committee on Public Administration, Public Order and Justice and the Special Permanent Committee on Greeks Abroad. Debate in the plenary session is expected during the first week of March.
Photo:ERT
