In a move set to “deepen democracy,” Interior Minister Niki Kerameus expressed optimism ahead of Monday’s submission of a bill to Parliament, introducing postal voting for Greeks living abroad.
The specific legislative initiative concerns the European elections and referendums, with national elections to be discussed at a later date.
Minister Kerameus announced the government’s intention to extend postal voting to national elections in the future, underscoring the commitment to enhancing democratic participation.
The major opposition parties, including New Democracy, SYRIZA, PASOK, and Course for Freedom, have signaled their acceptance of the measure in principle, providing a promising outlook for the country’s political landscape.
Minister Kerameus addressed concerns raised by some opposition members who view the initiative as an electoral maneuver that might compromise the integrity of elections due to the involvement of private postal companies.
“The broad consensus among major political parties on the acceptance of the bill is a promising signal for our political system and its capacity to reach agreements on matters of democracy. This isn’t a mere electoral ploy but a significant democratic reform supported by a large majority of the national parliament. It facilitates the exercise of the right to vote and ultimately deepens our democratic processes,” Kerameus stated in ‘Kathimerini’.
Highlighting that postal voting is a common practice in numerous countries, the minister emphasized that the government has incorporated best practices and additional safeguards to ensure the secrecy and transparency of the voting process.
Addressing concerns about the involvement of private postal service providers, Kerameus reassured the public that stringent standards would be enforced. She asserted that there is no way these companies could interfere with a voter’s choices.
The legislative initiative specifically pertains to European elections and referendums, with discussions about its application to national elections slated for a later date.
Source: Ekathimerini.
