Ministry headed by L. Linkevičius seeking votes from emigrants – against “live” voting in some embassies

Lithuanian citizens living abroad can vote in elections by mail or on election days in person at our country’s mission.

The Seimas Elections Law, as amended at the end of June, stipulates that in case of a situation in a foreign state that it is not possible to vote in a Lithuanian diplomatic mission, consular post or additional electoral colleges in that foreign state, the Minister of Relations Exteriors

In this case, a ballot or electronic voting code would be mailed to the voter, allowing voting on the CEC website. It is true, it is noted that so far there is no possibility to vote online.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) explains that an important part of the diplomatic missions of our country are concerned about the organization of local elections.

At that time, L. Matjošaitytė heard from the diplomats he was in contact with that the missions were ready to organize the elections “live”.

Mention possible limitations

According to the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elizabeth Zhurovska-Puodžiūnienė, given the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of diplomatic missions express concern about the possibility of organizing voting in diplomatic missions or in the planned electoral colleges.

“In some states, restrictions may be placed on movement, the organization of events or meetings,” he said.

E.Žurovska-Puodžiūnienė recalled that, in preparation for these elections, the Seimas Elections Law was amended by offering the possibility for a voter to vote electronically on the CEC website.

“However, in the view of the CEC, there is very little time for its implementation,” said a representative from the Foreign Ministry.

Commenting on whether it will be possible for Lithuanian citizens to vote only by mail in Seimas elections abroad, he explained that the Ministry is assessing the situation.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the diplomatic missions, daily monitors the constantly changing situation, which is different in each state. Today, it is still difficult to say in which diplomatic missions the voting by mail only will be organized”, E. Žurovska-Puodžiūnienė said.

Today, it is still difficult to say in which diplomatic missions the voting will be done only by mail.

According to her, the electoral commissions will be open in all diplomatic missions on October 11, and even if it is decided to vote in the respective countries only by mail, the possibility of voting for the voters who arrive at the diplomatic mission is being considered. that day.

The Ministry will propose

According to L. Linkevičius, the question of how to organize voting in some foreign countries is currently being debated.

According to him, this will be heading to the CEC in the near future.

“I will hardly do that myself so as not to confuse too many interests. But, by law, we have to offer it and the ministry will offer it,” said the chancellor.

“So as not to raise additional questions, because I keep getting questions about why I make those suggestions myself, where I participate. It’s me just because, just because,” he added.

I can hardly do it myself so as not to confuse too many interests. But, by law, we have to offer it and the ministry will offer it.

L. Linkevičius participates in the elections to the Seimas in the Lithuanian world single-member constituency, where our citizens living abroad vote. He is also the leader of the electoral list of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Labor Party.

When asked what specific proposals will be presented and where voting abroad is considered to take place only by mail, L. Linkevičius explained that he is not ready to talk about it in detail now.

“There are all kinds of considerations that, given the situation of the pandemic, give the convenience and the opportunity for people to have a voice. All this is being discussed here and the CEC is being consulted, ”he commented.

At the same time, L. Linkevičius explained that voting by mail is not more complicated.

“No, it’s really not complicated, maybe only the ignorant can say that. That situation is as simplified as possible. There really are no big problems there. Only desire is really needed. So here, I think, you shouldn’t be afraid of it. Just In general the situation is so complicated. We would like to be able to express that voice in every way: and when you come to the embassy, ​​as usual, and by mail, you can choose to be. We wanted to be able to vote electronically as a message. That too, I think, It would be a relief. The wishes are one, and the reality is, as we see, something else, “said the Minister.

L. Linkevičius believes that the current situation regarding the coronavirus may affect the turnout in the Seimas elections: “The pandemic in general can affect the turnout of everyone, not just the voters. This is already the case here. “

A pandemic in general can affect turnout, not just voters. This is already the case here.

A safe process can be guaranteed

CEC President Laura Matjošaitytė said that representatives of the Foreign Ministry had been told that if there were proposals to organize voting in Seimas elections in some foreign countries only by mail, the presentation should take place at mid-September, until October 1.

However, to the extent that the head of the CEC had to speak with representatives of diplomatic missions and consular offices, the will to organize a “live” vote in Lithuanian missions and establishments is true.

He stressed that the necessary personal protective equipment, distances and the like will be provided.

“Voting in the mission for Lithuanians living abroad is often a celebration, and if they have the opportunity to come to the mission, they will definitely come. We have COVID-19 this year, but with some safeguards, it is certainly possible to organize a voting in a mission or consular office and ensuring that it is a safe process. Really, from all those conversations that we have had with the representatives of the representations, we think that those opportunities would be to organize the voting “live”, emphasized L. Matjošaitytė.

Voting in the mission for Lithuanians living abroad is often a celebration, and if they have the opportunity to come to the mission, they will come. We have COVID-19 this year, but with some safeguards, it is certainly possible to organize a vote at a mission or consular office and ensure that it is a safe process.

Register to vote

As posted on the MFA website, citizens living abroad are encouraged to vote by mail.

According to E.Žurovska-Puodžiūnienė, of the nearly 15,000 Lithuanian citizens currently registered to vote abroad, more than 90 percent. have expressed their desire to vote by mail.

“For example, the majority of Lithuanian citizens living in the UK who participated in elections abroad and voted by mail during last year’s presidential elections (around 80%),” said a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Exteriors.

E.Žurovska-Puodžiūnienė assured that during the Seimas elections, each diplomatic mission, after evaluating the current situation, will take the appropriate security measures: keep their distance, disinfect the facilities, contact with visitors and more.

Some representations will apply the “box” principle, as will the reception of visitors in consular matters.