Seimas speaker proposes change to secret ballot procedure

Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas has proposed amending the parliament’s secret ballot procedure to require lawmakers to mark the candidate or statement they support, rather than crossing out those they oppose, LRT reports.

Under the proposed change to the Statute, MPs would tick the candidate or position they back on the ballot. Currently, they must cross out the names of candidates or statements they do not support.

Olekas argues the new system would be clearer, easier to identify, and reduce the risk of ballots being invalidated due to incorrect marking. He noted that the change aligns with the principle of “marking for” rather than “crossing out against,” minimising ambiguity for both voters and vote counters.

If approved, the Seimas secret ballot procedure would match the practice used in elections organised by the Central Electoral Commission, where voters mark their chosen candidate or statement.

The Statute is the primary document governing the Seimas’ operational principles, procedures, lawmaking process, and the rights and duties of MPs.