Monitor: Danko Pushes for Same-day Voting, Oppositions Warns of Curbed Rights

(STVR, 'O 5 minut 12', 3 May) Speaking on STVR's discussion programme 'O 5 minut 12' (Five Minutes to Twelve) on Sunday, parliamentary vice-chair and leader of the Slovak National Party (SNS) Andrej Danko claimed that he remains convinced that voting from abroad should take place on the same day as elections held in the country, whereas parliamentary vice-chair Martin Dubeci (Progressive Slovakia), also on the show, believes that the coalition is trying to change the rules only because it fears Slovak voters living abroad. "The problem is that voting does not take place on one day. That's a legal issue — during a campaign, voting must be held on a single day," Danko underlined. He acknowledged that there are countries where voting is not held on the same day, but stressed that there are also those where it is. Slovakia, he said, will be among the countries where voting takes place on one day. He added that the issue could be resolved in the future through online voting. Dubeci argued that the governing coalition is attempting to alter the electoral system because it fears how Slovaks abroad vote [the majority of them cast their votes for Progressive Slovakia in 2023-ed.note], and described it as a restriction of their voting rights. Dubeci sees no reason for change, noting that the procedure has not been challenged for decades and that there has always been interest in voting from abroad. "Why can't we agree not to tamper with the electoral system?" Dubeci asked, not ruling out further possible interventions by the coalition. Dubeci also does not believe that the subsidy case involving Marta Simeckova, the statutory representative of the civic association Project Forum, will harm Progressive Slovakia, led by Michal Simecka, her son, or reduce its support. "I believe not. Voters understand that this is not a case concerning Progressive Slovakia," Dubeci said. Danko, in response, said he does not comment on matters involving family members, but added that every politician experiences such situations. "If you are at such a high level, everything about you will be scrutinised with a gimlet eye," he said. The SNS leader declared that he will do everything to preserve Slovak-Hungarian relations, but won't allow anyone to insult Slovakia. Danko expects relations between the countries to deteriorate. Dubeci agreed that referring to Slovakia as "Felvidek" is not a sign of good neighbourly relations. If SNS were to submit a proposal to Parliament aimed at improving relations and defusing the situation, he said he would be willing to consider it. mf