With 2024 giving more people worldwide the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights than ever in human history, election fever in Europe reaches fever pitch today as polling stations open in numerous EU Member States.
There are still three days before Belgians have their say, in both the EU elections as well as on the national level. And despite a very visible campaign period that has decorated the country with the smiling faces of candidates, a significant portion of the electorate is still unsure who will get their vote.
In fact, one in five voters are undecided – their hesitancy changed little since surveys started in January. However, with voting mandatory in Belgium, researchers believe that many only make their decision when they actually step into the voting booth.
The level of indecision is comparable in all three regions though is especially marked among younger voters, falling considerably among over-65s. Curiously, women are more unsure than men: 14% of men are undecided whilst among women it is 26%.
In fairness, voting is far more complicated in Belgium than in other countries. As a Brit, I'm used to just a few boxes that I can mark; in Belgium voters are spoilt for choice. Throw the EU elections into the calculation and that's a lot of variables to consider.
And whilst proportional representation should in theory allow voters to back their preferred candidate rather than doing maths to figure out how to prevent their worst-case scenario, more astute citizens might factor in the rise of their least-favourite political group. Especially if they are predicted big gains.
As a third-country national not yet in possession of his Belgian citizenship, I have the luxury of observing from the outside, my own feelings on the matter unasked for (I'll have a chance to vote in one month). But in case you are still making up your mind, we hope our impartial guides will be a valuable resource:
Elections on 9 June: What to know before heading to the polls
Belgian elections guide: What Belgium's parties stand for
European elections guide: Which Belgian MEPs can you vote for?
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1. One in five Belgians still unsure who to vote for on Sunday
In the final throes of the campaign season running up to Belgium's election bonanza, 20% of the electorate remain undecided about who to vote for. Read more.
2. European elections guide: Which Belgian MEPs can you vote for?
Are you undecided or unsure which Belgian party or candidate to vote for in the European elections? You are in the right place. Read more.
3. Young people can use all Belgian public transport for just €59 this summer
Belgium is introducing a new pass this summer to allow 18 to 24-year-olds to use all public transport in the country for just €59 a month. The 'Youth Holidays Combi' ticket will unite the national and regional networks of SNCB, STIB, TEC and De Lijn. Read more.
4. Belgian universities slip in World University Rankings
Belgian universities have slipped in the QS World University Rankings 2024, a ranking of the best universities worldwide. Read more.
5. Cyclist cut in the throat by enraged driver overtaking on a cycling lane
A cyclist in Brussels riding on the cycle lane on Avenue Louise became the victim of a severe case of driver aggression after being knocked off his bike and then stabbed in the neck by the angry driver of the vehicle. Read more.
6. King Albert II celebrates his 90th birthday
King Albert II celebrates his 90th birthday this Thursday. To mark the occasion, the Palace has released four official photos of the former king. Read more.
7. The Brussels Times Cinema Guide: What to watch in June
The Belgian capital is home to a wealth of unique independent cinemas, all of which lay on busy and carefully curated programmes of films each month, making it hard to choose what to watch. Read more.
