site.btaHigher Voter Turnout Expected in Slovenia as Nation Votes for MEPs and Three Referendums at Once

Slovenia is among the countries that have seen the lowest turnout in European elections in the last twenty years. This year, the parties' campaign is entirely focused on domestic political issues that are not directly related to European priorities. On the day of the European Parliament elections, Slovenians are also voting for three referendums, and it is expected that these will attract more voters.

The streets of Ljubljana are filled with election messages and posters with the photos of the MEP candidates. They can be seen at bus stops, major intersections and especially around the general polling station for the preliminary elections between 4 and 6 June, when Slovenian citizens who will be unable to cast their ballots on Sunday, when the official European elections will be held, can vote.

"Higher voter turnout is expected in the European Parliament elections in Slovenia this year, unlike in all previous European elections. This is because of domestic political reasons, because we have three referendums, but also because we have been discussing in recent weeks the recognition of the Palestinian state," the Slovenian political scientist and lecturer at the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Miro Hacek told BTA. "Unlike the previous European elections, when turnout was around 30%, this year it is expected to be much higher. It is possible for voter turnout to reach 40% or 50%, with the latter being most likely. This is already the average for the European Union and Slovenia will be able to stand out somewhat," he added.

On June 9, Slovenians will vote not only for MEPs but also for three consultative referendums - on assisted voluntary ending of life (euthanasia), on cannabis use and on preferential voting in parliamentary elections. However, there was no electoral campaigning for the referendums. All campaign ads in Ljubljana call for the election of certain MEPs.

According to some analysts, referendums are organised only to attract more voters who would not enter the polling stations just to vote for the European elections.

And the ruling party, the Freedom Movement (FM), which proposed the referendums, hopes to attract more young voters. The opposition accuses it of "abusing" its power and running a "dishonest campaign". Some citizens seem to agree with the opposition, because vandalised posters can often be seen with the names of parties changed and the faces of politicians painted over.

"These European elections will be a turning point for Slovenia. In my opinion, the victory, figuratively speaking, of the Slovenian Democratic Party, will be by a smaller margin than we expect. It is also uncertain which European family they plan to join. They have been part of the European People's Party for thirty years, but they are considering switching to the European Conservatives and Reformists. So we are in a time of great instability - many things are not clear", concluded Prof. Hacek.