Seimas considers allowing election observers to photograph and film voters without consent

The Lithuanian parliament, Seimas, is considering amendments to the Election Code that would allow election observers to photograph and film voters without their consent to document potential violations, LRT reports.

In a preliminary vote on Tuesday, 61 MPs supported the changes, one opposed, and 16 abstained. The final vote is still pending, as the amendments must pass further approval stages.

If adopted, the new rules would permit observers to take photos, videos, and audio recordings of voters without permission—solely for the purpose of documenting election irregularities. Such evidence would have to be immediately submitted to the election commission or police.

Proponents argue the measure would help ensure transparent and fair elections. The proposed changes are expected to take effect on September 1, if approved.

The amendments were first introduced in the previous parliamentary term by Gintautas Kindurys, then a member of the Lithuanian Farmers and Greens Union (LVŽS) faction. Kindurys argued that current rules effectively prevent observers from documenting violations, as they must first obtain consent from the individual potentially breaking the law.

“It’s obvious that if you ask for permission to photograph or film someone who may be violating the law, you won’t get it. This blocks the ability to record the violation and prove the offense,” Kindurys previously stated.

Under current election law, observers may only take photos, videos, or audio recordings if they ensure personal data protection, obtain consent from individuals, and do not violate the secrecy of the vote.

In a separate but related move, Seimas is also considering granting the Central Electoral Commission (VRK) the authority to review election programs for disinformation. Another amendment would require election commission members to have a state-mandated proficiency in the Lithuanian language.

In a preliminary vote, 69 MPs backed these changes, four opposed, and 17 abstained. If approved, the VRK would assess whether election programs contain misleading or false information. Critics, including MP Ignas Vėgėlė, question whether the VRK has the capacity to review all candidates’ programs fairly.

The proposed rules would prohibit election programs from undermining constitutional values, conflicting with national security interests, or spreading misleading or false information. The VRK could then decide to block the publication of non-compliant programs.