On 26 March 2015, during its 28th Session, the Congress examined a report on electoral lists and voters residing de facto abroad. 'Congress observation missions have highlighted the problems of practical organisation, effective electoral management and transparency raised by this new category of voters' explained the Congress rapporteur, Jos Wienen (Netherlands, EPP/CCE). 'We wish to make local and regional authorities aware of their responsibilities in this matter, in particular to raise awareness of the importance of a “genuine link”, through predominant relations (permanent residence, central point of life interests etc.), between a voter and the country in which he/she casts the ballot at local level. ' The report studies sixteen Council of Europe member States. 'Legislation most often imposes residence requirements for eligibility to vote in local elections. The problem of voters included on electoral lists although they live de facto abroad is therefore principally due to a lack of implementation of existing laws' he concluded.
Report CG/2015(28)6FINAL
Video of the Debate
