UK Election Body Says 'some' EU Citizens Turned Away At Polls
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published May 24, 2019 | 12:06 AM
UK election authorities acknowledged Thursday that some EU citizens were turned away at UK polling stations while trying to cast ballots in the European Parliament polls
The hashtag #DeniedMyVote began trending in Britain as voters cast their ballots in one of the 28 countries taking part in four days of voting.
"Early morning visit to cast my vote only to have it disenfranchised because my declaration that I wouldn't be voting in Sweden (my country of citizenship) hadn't been processed in time," Twitter user Lina Dencik wrote.
The lobby group, The3Million, representing the interests of EU nationals working and living in Britain said it had been contacted by "hundreds" of people who were turned away.
Britain's Electoral Commission said it was monitoring the situation but refused to take the blame.
"We understand the frustration of some EU citizens of other EU member states," it said in a statement.
It attributed the incidents to misunderstandings by some people of European election rules for those living abroad.
"The very short notice from the government for the UK's participation in these elections impacted on the time available for awareness of this process among citizens," the UK election body said.
Prime Minister Theresa May's government only acknowledged on May 7 that Britain will have to take part in the European election because it had not been able to complete the Brexit process in time.
This limited the time both EU and UK authorities had to explain the different voting rules each country has for its expatriates.
The pro-EU Liberal Democrats accused May's government of deliberately trying "to silence the voices of our fellow Europeans".
"Liberal Democrats will hold the government to account for this bureaucratic shambles," the party said in a statement.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Journalists call for global action to end Gaza’s humanitarian crisis
CM for generating opportunities to bring direct int'l investment
Pakistan retains position in FTSE secondary emerging market
High Commissioner of Malaysia hosts Iftar dinner reception
NEPRA announces 2nd quarterly adjustment in power bills with Rs 1.68 cut per uni ..
Hoopo Inc. Collaborates with SAU to Install Solar-Powered RO Plant
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
Rain-windstorm/thunderstorm likely at various parts of country
Implementation of Sindh Agriculture Workers Act-2019 demanded
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
Khawaja reiterates PM commitment to judiciary
More Stories From World
-
Bus plunges off S.Africa bridge killing 45: ministry
3 hours ago -
S.Africa's ex-president Zuma barred from May election
3 hours ago -
Tax the rich: slow progress on the international front
3 hours ago -
Bus plunges off S.Africa bridge killing 45: ministry
3 hours ago -
Russia sentences journalist to 2 years in prison, detains others
3 hours ago -
France asks for foreign help for Olympics security: officials
4 hours ago
-
04 killed in Spain as Storm Nelson looms
4 hours ago -
Russian military jet crashes into sea off Crimea: Governor
5 hours ago -
Pandemic accord talks heading for extra time
4 hours ago -
French parliament backs bill against hair discrimination affecting black women
4 hours ago -
Russia says 'evidence' links Ukraine to Moscow attack
4 hours ago -
Russian shelling kills three in Ukraine, officials say
5 hours ago