Monitor: Tomas Defends Debate on Proposal to Scrap Postal Voting from Abroad

(STVR, 'O 5 minut 12', 1 March) Speaking on STVR's discussion programme 'O 5 minut 12' (Five Minutes to Twelve) on Sunday, Labour Minister Erik Tomas (Voice-SD) stated that the debate regarding the bill to scrap postal voting from abroad was rational. He reiterated that he has not yet seen the specific proposal spearheaded by the coalition party Smer-SD, but Voice-SD will take a stance on the issue once it is presented to the coalition council. His opponent on the show, House Vice-chair Martin Dubeci (opposition Progressive Slovakia/PS) said the proposal is driven by the coalition's fear of the electorate and democracy. According to Tomas, it is questionable whether the secrecy of ballot is truly upheld in postal voting. He stressed that even if this method of voting is to be scrapped, Slovaks residing abroad wouldn't be prevented from voting. Dubeci confirmed that PS would file an appeal with the Constitutional Court if Parliament greenlights the bill. jrg