09/11/2023 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday, 9 November, the European Parliament adopted recommendations on how the EU should defend the right of citizens in illiberal political systems and authoritarian regimes to participate in genuine elections. Pointing out that 80% of people live in countries that are not—or are only partly—free, MEPs are calling on the EU to use its tools to make citizens aware of their right to participate in fair elections. Adopted by 522 votes in favour, 27 against, and 53 abstentions, the report by Nacho Sánchez Amor (S&D, Spanish) also urges the EU to promote close cooperation and coordination among democratic countries so as to counter the legitimisation of fake elections and fake observers more effectively in international forums, in particular the United Nations. See the report: https://aeur.eu/f/9hv (CG)