Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Greek European Elections

Recently we held our European elections where I voted for the first time as a fully-fledged, post-Brexit voter. The current cap on the number of European MPs is 705. For each member state the seats - max. 96, min. 6 – are distributed in relation to the population size.

                                   

Greece has had a delegation in the EU since 1981. Originally she had 25 members representing her. However, as the number of members countries increased, so the allocation of seats decreased to her present 21.                                     


Greek voters had the option to vote electronically or postally so the large diaspora of Greek nationals abroad could engage in the elections.                           


The actual process of voting sounds simple enough. You can access information about your voting area beforehand and outside the polling station notices with surnames listed alphabetically indicate where your group votes. 

Having submitted your ID, you are given the ballot papers. You have the right to cast up to four preference votes but, unfortunately, your selection can only be made from one ballot sheet- ie must be of the same party.  This is irritating for those of us who are not umbilically tied to a particular party and want to make a selection from a wider range of candidates. 

                                        


So far, so straightforward. BUT, despite the participation fees of 20,000 euros, there were 31 parties/coalitions in all. That means you had to leaf through 31 ballot slips to find your party of choice. Then, given that each group can present up to 42 candidates, - and there were 1168 all together- choosing your preferences took some time!

 Two take-away feelings: 

a sense of awkwardness that you’re working as hard as you can behind the little curtained booth to make your selection, knowing full well a queue is forming of others waiting their turn. 

Regret that you had to stuff so many unused ballot sheets into the bin – what a waste!

 Things need to be much more streamlined. For the GB general elections – which I am allowed to vote in for the first time in 34 years! – the constituency I’m registered in has six candidates from different parties and I may choose one.  Simple and organized.  😊 

                                         


The election results, described by the ruling New Democracy paty as a Pyrrhic victory, has brought about a minor reshuffle with 11 cabinet members, including 4 minister, being left out of the new cabinet. There is also disarray among the left and central-left parties. Thankfully the consequences are nothing like the extreme ones seen in France and Germany.   :o                                  


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