16/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - As the June European elections draw nearer, the chairman of the European Parliament's constitutional affairs committee, Jo Leinen (PES, Germany), expresses concern about the delay incurred by many political parties in the final composition of electoral lists. In Bulgaria, Greece and in Spain, for example, the political parties have still not designated their candidates. “The European elections are still treated by the political class in several member states of the EU as second-class elections”, Jo Leinen deplores, taking the view that “with this attitude none needs to be surprised about low voter turnout”. He considers a “European election framework” is necessary to establish minimum rules for nominating candidates and fixing a time limit for submitting electoral lists. Finally, he says European political parties should have the possibility of presenting pan-European lists. (Y.P./transl.jl)