Government proposes review of foreign residents’ voting rights in municipal elections

Lithuanian politicians are proposing a review of the current rules allowing non-EU citizens to vote in municipal elections, citing Russia’s war in Ukraine and rising hybrid threats across Europe. The initiative has drawn mixed reactions, with supporters citing national security concerns and critics warning it could undermine integration policies.

According to the proposal, Lithuania is currently the only Baltic state that permits citizens of non-EU countries to vote in municipal council elections. Supporters argue that as Russian influence grows, hybrid threats intensify and migration from third countries increases, the existing practice poses a risk to national security.

Under the proposed plan, voting rights would be restricted to citizens of countries aligned with Lithuania’s chosen course of European and transatlantic integration. This would include EU, NATO, European Economic Area (EEA) and European Cooperation and Development Organisation (OECD) member states.

Constitutional and electoral law amendments have already been registered and are set to be debated during the spring parliamentary session, which begins in March.

Legal and practical hurdles

Constitutional law expert Darius Butvilavičius notes that current provisions are directly enshrined in the Lithuanian Constitution, meaning any changes would require a lengthy and complex legal process.

Mixed reactions from foreign residents

Oleg, a Belarusian citizen who has lived in Palanga for over a decade, opposes the proposal. He views the move as a violation of rights already acquired by long-term residents who have passed language and constitutional exams and participated in municipal life.

“I am against this decision because it violates rights,” Oleg told LRT.lt.