Low Voter Turnout in EU's New Member States

Strategic Insights -

People in the 10 new member states of the European Union showed little enthusiasm in voting in their first European elections. According to early estimates, the Czech Republic had the lowest turnout, with only 29% of voters participating. Latvia recorded a 41% turnout, its lowest since breaking away from Moscow in 1991. In Hungary, about a third of voters took part. The low turnout in these countries highlights the growing disconnection between the European parliament and citizens.

Key Takeaways:

  • In the Czech Republic, 29% of voters participated in the elections, the lowest turnout among the 10 new member states.
  • Latvia had the lowest turnout since the country broke away from Moscow in 1991, with 41% of voters participating.
  • In Hungary, only about a third of voters took part in the elections.
  • Lousewies van der Laan, a Dutch member of parliament, attributed the higher turnout in the Netherlands to the politicization of European issues, saying "we have finally managed to politicise Europe."
  • Bronislaw Geremek, a candidate for the European parliament, suggested that Poles may seem indifferent today because they voted on EU accession last year.
  • Cyprus was a notable exception to the general apathy, with an estimated 70% turnout and six representatives in the new assembly.
  • Turnout was lower in France and Spain compared to five years ago, despite holding elections shortly after.
  • Several governments made last-minute pleas for voters not to stay home, including Italy, which sent a text message reminding citizens of polling stations.
  • The elections marked the largest trans-national democratic exercise in history, involving almost 350m voters.

Statistics:

  • 29% of voters participated in the Czech Republic elections.
  • 41% of voters participated in Latvia elections.
  • 38% turnout in the UK, up 10 points from five years ago.
  • 70% turnout in Cyprus.
  • 39% turnout in the Netherlands, up 10 points from five years ago.
  • Almost 350m voters participated in the elections.
  • 52% of voters were certain to vote according to a Gallup poll.

Sources:

  • _The Guardian_
  • _Reuters_
  • Gallup opinion poll