Council of Europe committee proposes voting rights for migrants

The Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has unanimously adopted a report titled ‘The role of diasporas and migrants in developing social cohesion and democratic engagement’. The report proposes that member states consider expanding voting and candidacy rights to certain categories of migrants and diaspora members, even without full citizenship.

The resolution, which is scheduled for a vote on September 29, calls on member states to ratify the Convention on the Participation of Foreigners in Public Life at the local level and to examine the possibility of extending national electoral rights to specific diaspora groups. The term ‘diaspora’ is defined broadly in the document to include groups maintaining cultural, linguistic, or economic ties to a country of origin, as well as those born in the host country with ancestral roots abroad.

While the document does not yet carry legal weight, it reflects a growing European trend regarding the political integration of non-citizens. Critics note that the broad definition of diaspora could lead to significant debates regarding the influence of non-citizens on national-level elections and political decision-making.