Mitsotakis: Greeks abroad to vote by mail in the 2027 national elections as well

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the government’s proposal to extend the right of postal voting for Greeks abroad to the 2027 national elections during the Cabinet meeting.

He described it as a step forward for democracy and modernization, as well as a bold reform. He clarified that it will apply to those registered on the electoral rolls, while at the same time referring to an increase in voter participation.

Mr. Mitsotakis referred to the experience from the implementation of the corresponding provision in the European elections. He commented that the parallel requirement for physical presence of voters abroad at polling stations did not facilitate participation, as they often had to travel long distances.

“We have incorporated the positive experience of the European elections in order to take the next step. Greeks who permanently reside outside Greece should be able not only to choose a party, but also a Member of Parliament,” the prime minister then stated.

He explained that the proposal to be submitted by the Minister of Interior, Thodoris Livanios, will provide for the creation of a special three-seat constituency for the Greek Diaspora, in which voters outside the country will vote for whomever they wish. He also clarified that the Statewide (Epikrateias) seats will return to 12.

He maintained that nothing changes with regard to the electorate in the remaining constituencies. He also made clear that the threshold for parties entering Parliament remains at 3%, despite suggestions received by the Prime Minister’s Office from New Democracy officials to raise it to 5%.

The government is now seeking 200 votes

Mr. Mitsotakis further estimated that preference voting could also create internal competition among large geographic regions seeking representation.

“One can make calculations as to how the seats will be distributed in a three-seat constituency, but I consider it positive that the candidate from the United States will compete with the candidate from Australia, and thus this internal competition will give momentum for greater turnout at the polls,” he said.

He announced that Mr. Livanios will immediately begin consultations with the other parties and added pointedly: “I consider it self-evident that we will find the 200 MPs required by the Constitution for the provision to be passed immediately.”

As, at the very moment he was announcing the proposal to extend postal voting rights for Greeks abroad to national elections, a loud thunderclap was heard even inside the Cabinet meeting room, the prime minister commented:

“In times when democracy—but also the weather, as I can see—is being tested in many ways, this is a choice that goes beyond and above party lines.”