Estonia tightens electoral laws, stateless and third-country citizens lose voting rights

Estonian President Alar Karis has signed into law constitutional amendments that prevent citizens from third countries from participating in the electoral process.

The Estonian media confirmed that 93 members of the Riigikogu (Estonian parliament) voted in favor of the amendment, which has now been passed, per Caliber.Az.

The new legislation, proposed by the parliament, effectively strips tens of thousands of people of the ability to influence local elections, even if they have lived in Estonia for many years.

The amendments will also impact stateless individuals residing in the country.

Karis stated that, starting with the next electoral cycle, only citizens of Estonia and European Union countries will have the right to vote.

He emphasized that the decision by the Riigikogu has far-reaching consequences, and the potential impact of this change should have been more carefully considered beforehand.

The president expressed hope that the Riigikogu would ensure the decision does not undermine internal peace in Estonia.

"The constitution must serve as a safeguard for peace, both internally and externally. While some decisions may seem correct, they can lead to unexpected outcomes for society as a whole," he remarked.

Karis also warned that limiting the rights of a portion of the population could lead to alienation and damage trust in the state, especially if people begin to feel that their voices no longer matter.

"It is essential that the state does not appear to be pushing these people out of society. They must be assured that citizenship remains a genuine and accessible option for them," the president added.

On March 26, 2025, the Riigikogu passed an amendment to the Constitution, denying citizens of third countries, including Russia and Belarus, the right to vote in local elections. Stateless persons will still be able to vote in the upcoming October 2025 elections, but they will lose this right in future elections.

Following the approval of the amendment, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Mihal announced that future decisions that affect the country will not be made by citizens of aggressor nations.

This move has sparked discussions about its effects on integration and minority rights within Estonia.

According to reports from Baltic media, approximately 80,000 Russian citizens and 60,000 stateless individuals live in Estonia.

The next municipal elections in Estonia are scheduled for October 19, 2025.

By Tamilla Hasanova