Meeting scheduled at Alþingi to discuss electoral law amendments ahead of Iceland’s parliamentary elections

In anticipation of the parliamentary elections set for November 30, a meeting is scheduled at Alþingi today to discuss various legislative matters, including proposed temporary amendments to electoral laws. This follows an earlier debate featuring candidates from the Southern constituency.

The day’s parliamentary session will see five issues on the agenda, with particular emphasis on the electoral law modification proposal. Under current regulations, Icelandic citizens who have lived abroad can only maintain voting rights for 16 years upon moving. After this period, they must apply to the National Registry to rejoin the voter list. Nearly 300 applications have been lodged to regain voting rights ahead of the elections.

If the suggested amendments are approved, decisions made by the National Registry regarding voter registrations would become retroactive, provided applications are submitted by November 19. Registrations made after this date would take effect from December 1, the day following the election.

Other discussions today include the extension of regulations for the Grindavík Product Fund to secure employment in the area, increasing Iceland’s quota with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and a proposed December bonus for disability pensioners. Additionally, a resolution concerning issues related to the EEA Agreement will also be considered.

The electoral campaign continues with a series of constituency programs broadcast on local media. The first such program, recently aired, included key discussions regarding pressing community concerns in the Southern district, with further episodes scheduled to cover the Northeastern constituency next.