Surge in registrations by Greek diaspora for postal voting

·

Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis and Minister of Interior Niki Kerameus held a meeting with the heads of diplomatic and consular authorities around the world on postal voting for the Greek diaspora.

On Thursday, February 29, Minister Gerapetritis and Minister Kerameus engaged in a teleconference with the Heads of Greece’s Missions abroad, providing a comprehensive overview of postal voting procedures.

The briefing aimed to equip diplomatic and consular authorities with the necessary information to assist Greek citizens residing abroad in exercising their voting rights in the upcoming European elections scheduled for June 9.

This occasion marks the realisation of a longstanding aspiration of Greeks worldwide, granting them the opportunity to participate in elections without the need to travel to Greece or its diplomatic missions, often located far from their places of residence.

For the first time in Greek history, residents abroad will exclusively utilise postal voting for the European elections. The recently launched online registration platform, epistoliki.ypes.gov.gr, facilitates registration up to 40 days prior to the elections, streamlining the process for interested individuals.

Detailed guidelines are available on the official websites of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, while in-person registration at Consular Authorities remains an option.

Minister Gerapetritis emphasised the significance of this milestone, stressing the crucial role of diplomatic missions in ensuring the success of the electoral process. He highlighted the importance of embracing a new mindset towards voting, underscoring its relevance to all European citizens, irrespective of their place of residence.

Minister Kerameus expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diplomatic and Consular Authorities for their pivotal contributions to the postal voting initiative. Their efforts in disseminating information and supporting voter registration were acknowledged as essential pillars of the project’s success.

The teleconference, attended by Deputy Minister of Interior Theodoros Livanios and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Kotsiras, signifies a collaborative effort between government entities to promote democratic participation among Greek citizens worldwide.

Surge in registration for postal voting

The latest statistics reveal a surge in registrations for postal voting among Greek expatriates. According to official data released by the Greek government, a total of 20,835 individuals have registered for postal voting worldwide until Sunday.

The Greek diaspora can now vote in the European elections.

Of this figure, 12,706 registrations originate from within Greece itself, representing 61.0% of the total registrations.

However, it is the Greek diaspora outside the borders of Greece that has demonstrated considerable enthusiasm for exercising their democratic rights remotely. A total of 8,129 registrations have been recorded from expatriates living abroad, constituting 39.0% of the overall registrations.

Delving deeper into the breakdown of registrations outside Greece, it is evident that Europe boasts the highest number of registrations, with 7,091 expatriates signing up for postal voting, accounting for 87.2% of registrations outside Greece.

Meanwhile, Greek communities in North and Central America, Asia, Africa, and South America have also participated in the postal voting registration process, albeit to a lesser extent.

Only 111 individuals have registered for postal voting from Oceania, comprising Australia and New Zealand. However, officials anticipate this number to increase following the upcoming visit of Deputy Minister of Interior, Theodoros Livanios to Australia.

Source: mfa.gr.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Democracy on the big screen: Youth shine at the 13th Greek Student Film Festival

13th Greek Student Film Festival - staged within Sydney's 30th Greek Film Festival - filled the cinema with laughter and plenty of Greek.

Panayiota Dimopoulos’ OXI Day artwork takes pride of place on The Greek Herald cover

Panayiota Dimopoulos from Oakleigh Grammar designed The Greek Herald’s OXI Day cover, capturing the shared history of Greece and Australia.

Greek and Cypriot leaders honour OXI Day with messages to Australia’s Greek diaspora

Greek and Cypriot politicians and diplomats have issued messages to Australia’s Greek diaspora ahead of the OXI Day celebrations.

Greek Film Festival wraps 30th year with a triumphant Sydney finale

The curtain fell on the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney on Sunday night with a sold-out screening of Athens Midnight Radio.

Pan Macedonian Federation of SA launches the 44th Dimitria Greek Festival

On Friday, October 24, the Pan Macedonian Federation of South Australia officially launched the 44th Dimitria Greek Festival.

You May Also Like

Three arrested over Patras wildfires as Greek authorities warn of ongoing danger

Firefighters in Greece have contained a large blaze outside the southern port city of Patras, but the threat of further fires remains high.

Melbourne’s Creative Drama and Arts Theatre returns with innovative production

On Saturday February 26 the Melbourne Community Creative Drama and Arts Theatre is presenting the theatrical performance "Mόνοι”.

Catherine Daskalakis urges dementia patients to seek support

Dementia Australia Advocate, Catherine Daskalakis has urged the value of seeking support as figures show the disease looks to double by 2054.