Elections 2024: Turnout seems to be low in Flanders

The end of compulsory voting for local elections in Flanders seems to have had a larger effect than expected. Turnout remained low across the region, hours after polling stations opened.

Legislation in Flanders changed a couple of years ago, and these elections for the municipal and provincial councils are the first where voting is voluntary. Compulsory voting has been the rule for many decades for all elections in Belgium.

In recent years, 5 to 10 per cent of voters have not voted, and no sanctions have been applied. The expectation was that turnout would be slightly lower with the obligation to vote removed, but the first signs on Sunday morning indicate it will be much lower.

The coalition partners in the new Flemish government had already promised to evaluate the change to see if it undermines democracy. Home Affairs minister Hilde Crevits of CD&V said a low turnout would undoubtedly be an element in that evaluation.

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