Another European country is set to contest this year’s elections as Slovakia’s former governing coalition decided to hold early elections on September 30. Thus, Slovaks join the long line of nations in Europe that will be called upon to vote during this year.

The leaders of Slovakia’s previous coalition government have agreed to amend the constitution to bring the vote before February 2024, Slovak news site Dennik N reported on Sunday.

Party leaders took the lead after the opposition’s early election referendum failed to attract enough voters on Saturday. According to the country’s statistical office, only 27.3% of voters voted, well short of the absolute majority that must be met for the referendum to be valid.

Early elections could be held in Slovakia if the constitution is amended to shorten the four-year term of parliament. Such a constitutional change would require approval in a referendum or at least 90 votes in a 150-seat parliament.

Prime Minister Edward Heger’s government rules as a transitional government after losing its proclaimed parliament in December.

Criticized for not doing enough to help people hurt by soaring energy bills and inflation, Mr Hager’s government fell after an impeachment proposal in December.

In addition to the Slovaks, citizens of Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Spain, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Luxembourg, Switzerland, as well as Turkey, Ukraine and Montenegro will come to the polls this year. Regional or special elections are still planned in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Portugal, the Netherlands and Norway.

Source: Reuters.