In the last European elections in 2019, 21 MPs were elected, for whom 4,468,142 citizens voted, 1,187,977 citizens voted for 34 parties, which, however, did not gain a percentage of 3% and therefore are not represented in the European Parliament.

The 21 elected MEPs belong to the power of six parties. Four of them (20%) face serious problems with the judicial system. This event sparked a discussion about whether the system of electing MEPs from a single state ballot with a cross should be retained or the cross should be abolished and a list made under the responsibility of the party (leader).

Citizens (accused) vote for high-profile figures, celebrities. The behavior of citizens is natural, since they have a bulletin of 21 people in alphabetical order, compiled by the leader of the party. What should a voter do? Vote for a stranger, at random, or a famous name? Party headquarters are thinking of solving the problem by depriving citizens of the opportunity to choose. He will vote with a ballot in the form in which the leader has formatted it.

In both decisions, with or without a cross, the bulletin is compiled by the moderator. If the leader believes that prominent figures, celebrities are damaging the party, he has no other choice but to exclude them from the ballots.

My proposal for the nomination of MEPs is as follows:

MEPs will be elected in 21 independent single-member constituencies. Here is a table with the results of the last European elections in each of the 21 regions. The smallest number of ballots was in the regions of the North Aegean and the Ionian Islands, and most of all in the regions of Central Macedonia and Thessaly.

Each party will be able to nominate up to two candidates in each constituency, and citizens will be able to choose one or another candidate by choosing a party.

Apart from the parties, I propose that any other citizen who wishes can also run for the European Parliament. With the help of an example, I hope to resolve any issues that arise. The European elections will take place in 2024. If my proposal is accepted, I hope that the parties will nominate candidates in each of the 21 regions.

Now take the place of the hypothetical voter of the Epirus region. N.D. nominates two candidates, as does SYRIZA, as does everyone else. But there is also the independent candidacy of Moses Elisaf (I know he is no longer alive, but I think he would be the ideal representative of Epirus in the European Parliament), which gives the voter an outlet, relieves him. Had Elisaf been alive and a candidate, the parties and leaders to oppose him would have been more careful in casting ballots in Epirus.

The entry of independent candidates undermines the dominance of the party, increases competition, and, in combination with a single-member district, strengthens democracy.

Mr. Stefanos Manos is a former minister.