Brussels, 13/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - While some EU member states do not allow foreign nationals to vote in local elections, a Commission report published on 9 March reveals, however, that, even European citizens who have this opportunity “still face obstacles to exercising their local voting rights”.
According to the report presented by Commissioner Viviane Reding, who has responsibility for freedom of movement within the EU, only around 10% of Europeans living in a member state other than their own exercise their right to vote and to stand in local elections. This figure can be explained by lack of awareness of this right, but also by obstacles from national authorities, with, for example, “requirements for EU citizens that may differ from those applied to national citizens, such as the need to have been resident in the country for a certain period in order to apply for a vote”, a press release says. These requirements result from incorrect implementation of the directive instituting this right for European non-nationals, Directive 94/80/EC, the report finds. Some countries still make it difficult for non-nationals to be included on electoral rolls. Sometimes, too, countries require additional documentation from non-nationals wishing to stand for election, such as proof from their country of origin that their voting rights have not been revoked. These are requirements which the Commission considers not to be in line with European law and it will work with national, regional and local authorities to resolve any difficulties. (SP/transl/rt)