The Italian government is considering changing the voting method for voters residing outside Italy. The proposal, discussed by allies of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, envisions Italians living abroad voting in person, instead of by mail, as early as the next constitutional referendum.
The referendum concerns the separation of the judicial careers and will be confirmatory, meaning it does not require a minimum quorum. Today, Italian citizens registered in the AIR (Registration of Italians Residing Abroad) They participate in elections by means of postal voting.
The possibility of change was criticized by the Democratic Party. (PD), which accuses the government of trying to restrict voter participation outside the country.
“It is scandalous that the government wants to change the rules of a referendum without a quorum on the eve of the vote, imposing in-person voting by decree,” said Toni Ricciardi, vice-president of the PD group in the Chamber. “A South American regime method,” he added.
Ricciardi stated that any changes to the electoral system should be debated in Parliament, and not imposed by unilateral measures. According to him, if the proposal moves forward, the party will appeal to President Sergio Mattarella.
“Millions of citizens live hours away from consular offices and polling stations. This measure could prevent them from exercising their right to vote,” he stated. The parliamentarian demanded a public retraction from the government's base. “If confirmed, it will be an attack on democracy.”
CGIE advisor in Brazil defends hybrid model.
In Brazil, where approximately 700 Italian voters reside, the CGIE advisor (General Council of Italians Abroad), Daniel TaddoneHe stated that in-person voting is, in theory, the most legitimate form of democratic participation, but stressed that its implementation requires a large logistical infrastructure.
“Postal voting, especially abroad, has clear weaknesses and can be vulnerable to different types of fraud. Furthermore, the security of an Italian election should not depend on the jurisdiction of other countries, which would limit the ability to prevent and investigate illicit practices,” he explained. Italianism.
According to him, the city of São Paulo alone would need at least ten polling stations. “In Brazil, for example, we already have about one million Italian citizens residing there, which represents approximately 700 voters. In this scenario, more than a hundred polling stations would be needed, strategically distributed throughout the country. The city of São Paulo alone could accommodate about ten polling stations.”
Taddone proposed a hybrid solution: in-person voting where infrastructure exists and postal voting for those who live more than 150 kilometers from a polling station. "It is fundamental to guarantee the right to vote by mail for those who live more than 150 km from a polling station," he said. ensuring that no citizen is deprived of their participation.”, He stated.
He also said he did not trust the current government's ability to organize this type of operation. “In-person voting represents a highly complex logistical operation. Unfortunately, I don't see the necessary seriousness in the Meloni government to ensure this organization is done correctly. Therefore, I distrust the real objectives of those proposing this reform,” he concluded.
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