Voting for Flanders : also from abroad

It is currently only possible for Belgians abroad to exercise their right to vote during federal elections. For those who live in the European Union, it is also possible to vote in the European elections. However, voting in the Flemish, Walloon or Brussels elections is currently not possible, something which the present government hopes to finally change. “Every Belgian resident must exercise his or her civic duty to vote”, believes Minister of the Interior Jan Jambon.

The government has already approved the proposal to expand voting duties for Belgians abroad. “It was already good that fellow Belgians could vote in federal parliamentary elections while abroad, but it’s now time for us to make that possible for regional parliamentary elections as well”, remarks Jambon.

Stepping up engagement

The federal government had clearly adopted this stance in its coalition agreement. The latter states that “The government places a great deal of importance on the specific interests of Belgians who permanently or temporarily reside, live or work abroad.” “They wish to step up their level of engagement with regard to the policies applied within Belgium.” These “specific interests” also touch on regional competences such as education, culture, trade and science. Just consider financing Dutch-language education abroad, a competence of the Flemish Government. “Not a single reason can be come up with for why Flemish people living abroad are allowed to vote in federal elections, but not in regional ones”, states Minister Jambon resolvedly.