Just over 15 per cent of non-Belgian citizens registered for local elections
Just over 15 per cent of foreign nationals living in Belgium have registered to vote in the 13 October municipal elections, according to figures published by the FPS Home Affairs.
On 1 August, the day after the registration deadline, 16.7 per cent of EU citizens had registered. This is 153,037 people out of a total of 830,914 potential voters living in Belgium. In addition, 27,780 non-EU nationals registered, or 11.91 per cent of eligible voters.
The overall average of registered voters is only 15.29 per cent, or 162,817 voters out of 1,064,506 eligible foreign nationals living in Belgium. Declining interest in politics and a lack of information on the voting process are said to be behind the low turnout. But their votes can make a difference, a study has found.
Lowest interest in Flanders
Interest in voting in the October elections is lower in Flanders than in other parts of the country. Only 10.4 per cent of potential EU voters and 7.67 per cent of non-EU residents registered.
In Wallonia almost one in four residents of other EU member states (24.6 per cent) and 18.62 per cent of residents of other countries registered. In Brussels, 17.09 per cent of EU citizens and 13.25 per cent of other foreign nationals registered, and in the nine German-speaking communities, 15.53 per cent and 2.62 per cent respectively.
Foreign nationals have been allowed to vote in local elections in Belgium since 2006. To do so, they must meet certain conditions and register online or with their local administration.
© BELGA PHOTO YORICK JANSENS
Related news
