The government is planning to create a new electoral district allowing Greeks living abroad to directly elect three members of parliament with their own ballot, marking a change in how the diaspora is represented.

Under the proposal, expatriate Greeks would no longer be represented through parties’ nationwide state ballots. Those seats would be reduced from 15 to 12 to make room for the three diaspora lawmakers within the 300-seat parliament.

The reform is part of a legislative package that would also extend postal voting to national elections, following its use in European Parliament elections. The bill is expected to be submitted before Easter. To take effect in the next national vote, it would need the backing of at least 200 lawmakers; otherwise, it would apply from the following election cycle.

The government believes the postal voting model used in European elections was successful and should be expanded. Officials say the aim is to ensure that Greeks abroad feel more actively involved in the country’s political life.

The Interior Ministry, under Minister Thodoris Livanios, has been working on the legislation, which includes the creation of a single electoral district for the Greek diaspora. Under the plan, voters abroad would cast ballots on a common list featuring candidates from around the world and would be able to select not only a party but also an individual candidate.

A voter living in the US could choose a candidate based in Australia, Europe or Asia. Supporters say the change would replace the current system, in which parties were required to include at least one expatriate candidate on their state ballots.

The government considers the direct election of diaspora lawmakers a step that could mobilize overseas Greeks and strengthen ties with the homeland through direct parliamentary representation.

To implement the change, the number of state ballot seats would be reduced. Officials say cuts cannot come from regional districts without altering population representation.

Government sources argue opposition parties would struggle to justify rejecting the plan, which they say “strengthens” representation and “increases the ability to reinforce Greece’s relations with the outside world.” Critics warn smaller parties could be disproportionately affected in practice overall politically nationwide elections ahead soon.

Source: ekathimerini.com