Greece’s government proposes a new three-seat electoral district for overseas voters. Credit: Greek Reporter
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis presented a proposal at today’s Cabinet meeting to create a special three-seat electoral district for the Greek diaspora, as part of ongoing discussions to expand postal voting rights for Greeks living abroad in national elections.
Under the proposal, Mitsotakis said, the number of state party-list seats would return to 12, while the threshold to enter Parliament would remain at 3%.
Greece frames the electoral district plan beyond party lines
Mitsotakis described the initiative as an “obvious national choice,” emphasizing that it should rise above party politics. He also expressed confidence that it can become a shared decision across the political spectrum.
In addition, he said he has asked the Minister of Interior to begin consultations with political parties immediately. According to the prime minister, securing the 200-vote majority required by the Constitution should be achievable, noting that parties have repeatedly expressed support for similar reforms in the past.
Building on the experience of European elections
The prime minister framed the proposal as a major institutional reform that the government has already launched and now intends to complete, despite challenges seen in previous periods, particularly those linked to in-person voting requirements.
He argued that Greece has incorporated lessons from the European Parliament elections, enabling the country to take the next step in strengthening democratic participation for citizens living abroad.
Allowing overseas Greeks to choose a specific MP
A key element of the plan is to ensure that Greeks living outside the country can not only vote, but also choose a specific Member of Parliament. This approach, he said, aligns with the Constitution’s principle of full equality in voting rights.
To support that objective, the government is proposing a dedicated diaspora constituency with three seats, specifically designed for overseas voters.
Greece’s electoral district plan: What changes and What stays
Mitsotakis stressed that the proposal would not alter the overall distribution of parliamentary seats. Instead, the changes focus on two points:
- A special three-seat district for the Greek diaspora.
- A return of nationwide party-list seats to 12, a structure in place since 1979.
At the same time, he underlined that no other seats would change, and the 3% parliamentary entry threshold would remain unchanged.