Consensus reached on diaspora vote

Two-thirds House majority for bill’s ratification said to be secured after cross-party committee agreement

A cross-party committee discussing ruling New Democracy’s initiative to grant full voting rights to diaspora Greeks reached a consensus last night, Interior Minister Takis Theodorikakos announced. “It is a bill that deserves to be and should be voted by 300 lawmakers,” Theodorikakos said.

The legislation requires a two-thirds majority (200 votes) to be ratified. After yesterday’s consensus this target is expected to be met.

Lawmakers overcame a technical snag on Monday concerning the Communist Party’s (KKE) proposal that only those who have lived outside Greece for less than 30 years should be eligible.

This was due to the fact lawmakers deemed on Monday that Greek state authorities would be unable to establish the precise number of years an individual has been away from the country.

The hurdle was cleared yesterday with an agreement that diaspora Greeks on the electoral rolls who have a tax number will be eligible to vote if they can prove, by presenting state documents, that they have lived in the country for a period of two years during the past 35 years.

It was also agreed that the vote of diaspora Greeks will count toward the overall election result and that they will be able to choose from among 15 (previously 12) candidates on a state list.

Voting will only take place at a consulate or any other venue selected by the authorities.

However, the right to a postal vote for those that live far from voting venues was scrapped, as was demanded by the Communist Party, after the committee failed to reach common ground.

Moreover, political parties will be allowed to include diaspora Greeks on their tickets if they so choose.