Parliament approves establishing open electoral register

The Gibraltar Parliament yesterday approved an amendment to legislation to establish an open register of electors in Gibraltar.

Until now, the electoral register was opened for new additions or amendments only for a limited two-week time period ahead of an election.

In practical terms, that meant people who missed the deadline were not included in the register even though they were otherwise eligible to vote.

The amendment to legislation dating back to 1950 makes eligibility “the paramount factor” and ensures that a person’s right to vote is not curtailed for administrative reasons, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia told Parliament.

The register of electors will now be a rolling, open register, closed only in the five-day run-up to a general election.

“There will now be more time to register or amend details,” Dr Garcia said.

The amendment also introduces voting by proxy, alongside other traditional methods including voting in person or by post.

The roving ballot box will also remain.