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Elections and referendums

Every Slovenian citizen who has attained the age of 18 has the right to vote and be elected, regardless of class, ethnic, racial, economic or other affiliation. Voters are free to choose among different candidates or political parties or exercise the right not to vote.

Right to vote

The right to vote is a fundamental political right. Slovenian citizens can vote for the President of the Republic, Deputies of the National Assembly and Members of the European Parliament, and mayors and members of municipal councils. In exercising their power citizens may participate in other forms of direct democracy, such as referendums, popular initiatives and European citizens' initiatives.

The right to vote is regulated in a special way for the members of the Italian and Hungarian national communities, as only they have the right to vote for and to be elected as deputies of said communities.

There are two voting rights records in Slovenia. A permanent voting rights record is kept in the Register of Permanent Residents, while electoral registers are voting rights records compiled specially for every election.

Voters can vote in different ways

Generally, voters cast their vote at the polling station of their place of residence. As this is sometimes impossible, there are also other options available. Voters who meet the requirements may vote by post in Slovenia, by post abroad, at their home, at diplomatic or consular missions abroad or as expatriates at polling stations in Slovenia.

Right to political association

Citizens may also pursue their political goals by associating with political parties. The parties adopt programmes and propose candidates for elections to the National Assembly, for the President of the Republic and to the bodies of local communities. A party may be established by at least 200 citizens of the Republic of Slovenia who are at least 18 years old and sign a declaration on the establishment of a party. A request for the registration of a political party is submitted by the party's representative to the Ministry of Interior. Slovenia uses a proportional election system; parties that get at least four percent of votes are represented in the national Assembly. The National Assembly has 90 deputy seats.