The Riigikogu approved a constitutional amendment on March 26. As a result, citizens of countries not belonging to the European Union can no longer vote in local elections. Starting next year, stateless individuals will also lose their voting rights.
The Kohtla-Järve City Council requested the Supreme Court to declare the amendment unconstitutional. They argued that it violates the self-governance rights of municipalities. The City Council stated that nearly half of Kohtla-Järve residents can no longer participate in elections. This damages trust in public authority.
The City Council believes it is unfair to take away voting rights from long-term residents who have previously been able to vote. They have long been connected to the local community. Additionally, election rules should not be changed less than a year before elections.
The Supreme Court dismissed the request. The court stated that the constitution can be amended if procedural requirements are met. The amendment is not contrary to the constitution.
The constitution does not prohibit changes to election rules before elections. However, the Supreme Court has previously stated that major changes should take effect earlier. This helps protect the legal certainty of elections.
The Supreme Court found that the restriction of voting rights is not contrary to the constitution. The amendment was made in accordance with the constitution, not just by law. Amending the constitution requires significant political support. This ensures that changes are supported by society.
The Supreme Court noted that public debate helps reduce the negative impact of the amendment. In conclusion, the amendment did not violate the rights of local governments. Voting rights are a political right, and Estonia is not obliged to grant them to non-citizens.