Greek Community in Australia divided over Greek vote -68 per cent vote “yes”

Most Greek Australians would like the ability to vote in Greek elections from Australia, even if they haven’t lived in the country for years.

An online poll conduced by Neos Kosmos saw 62 per cent of respondents vote yes to diaspora Greeks being given voting rights in Greece, while 38 per cent disagreed.

Those voting yes felt being granted the ability to vote from abroad is an important way to stay engaged in Greece, while protecting their interests if they hold investment properties in the country.

Currently, Greeks living abroad can only vote if they hold Greek citizenship and travel to Greece to cast their vote.

There is no law granting Greeks of the diaspora the ability to vote in their country of residence.

Currently Greek citizens abroad can only vote in Greece if they travel back to the motherland to cast their vote. Photo: AAP/NEWZULU/MENELAOS MICHA.

Reader Antony Margetis says Australian citizens are granted the right to vote wherever they are in the world, as should be the case for Greeks.

“Australian citizens who reside in Greece can vote for the federal elections in Australia,” Mr Margetis wrote on Neos Kosmos’ Facebook page.

“What’s wrong with Greek citizens doing exactly the same and voting from their place of residence?”

For others, the right to be a part of political decisions as a citizen living abroad affords them more security over their interests.

Peter Tesi says dual citizen Greeks around the world should have the ability to vote, “considering many diaspora Greeks have investments in Greece”.

Kat Smith said those without Greek citizenship should not ask for the right to vote.

“If you are a Greek citizen or hold dual citizenship yes, but no if you live and work in another country and vote there,” She said.

The lack of knowledge on Greek affairs had many readers conclude that the right to vote should stay to Greek citizens living in Greece.

Michael Pikos says those who have to live with the consequences of an election should have the right to vote.

“We don’t live there, how can we vote for any changes if we aren’t going to live with the consequences?” he said.

Maria Taki went as far as to say voting while detached from Greece might hinder the country.

“Unless you live in a country and know what its citizens face, on a hands-on, daily basis, you could be doing more harm than good,” she says.

Changing the fate of the vote if more diaspora Greeks entered the voting pool got our readers thinking.

Marjory McGinn took into account the recent Scottish referendum.

“Should diaspora Scots have been allowed to vote in the recent referendum on Scottish independence the outcome could have been very different,” she said on Facebook.

For many voting yes, most believed that the right should be available to all Greek citizens abroad, even if they might not want to exercise the right.

“Humans are entitled to rights, regardless of they want to exercise them or not,” Christian Raspa said.

Neos Kosmos’ Facebook and Twitter page give our readers a great way to intereact with the Greeks of the diaspora and those in Greece. Check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/neoskosmos or tweet us at @Neoskosmos

Source, Neoskosmos.com