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A Comissão Nacional de Eleições (CNE) de Portugal decidiu que as eleições na Madeira em 23 de março seguirão a lei eleitoral antiga, não as novas emendas . Estas mudanças, que visavam igualdade de gênero e melhor acessibilidade ao voto, não estavam em vigor a tempo. O governo seguirá regras de 2006 até novas eleições.
Translation
The National Election Commission (CNE) of Portugal has determined that the elections in Madeira on 23 March will adhere to the old electoral law, not the new amendments. These changes, which aimed to promote gender equality and improve voting accessibility, were not in effect in time. The government will follow the 2006 regulations until the next elections.
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: What date will the elections in Madeira take place?
The elections in Madeira will take place on March 23.
Question 2: What was the purpose of the new amendments that are not in use for the Madeira elections?
The new amendments aimed for gender equality and better accessibility to vote.
Exercise: Vocabulary
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▌29/01/2025
The National Electoral Commission (CNE) of Portugal has clarified that the upcoming regional elections in Madeira, scheduled for March 23, will proceed under the existing electoral law rather than recent amendments. This decision follows the dissolution of the Regional Legislative Assembly by the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, after a no-confidence motion led to the government's downfall.
The clarification comes despite recent unanimous approval of electoral law amendments by the Portuguese Parliament, aimed at introducing measures such as gender parity and enhanced voting accessibility. These amendments were signed into law on January 26 by the President but have come into effect only recently. According to the CNE, the existing law remains applicable as the legislative amendments were not in force at the time of the electoral call.
The situation arose following political upheaval in Madeira, where the incumbent minority government was ousted. This unusual political move, backed by the Chega party, cited ongoing judicial investigations involving key government officials. Consequently, the government will remain in a caretaker capacity until the new assembly assumes office.
Madeira Election to Proceed Under Old Law (Illustration)
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, during discussions with regional party leaders, hoped for the new legislation to apply. However, a technical lapse during the weekend impacted the timely implementation of these amendments. The President emphasised efforts to address technical considerations, aligning legislative transitions with procedural requirements.
The forthcoming regional elections will thus adhere to the 2006 organic law, as amended in 2009. The CNE's plenary has confirmed this stance to uphold constitutional provisions governing electoral processes following such dissolutions.
The development holds significant political implications in Madeira, reflecting ongoing tensions and anticipation of electoral outcomes determined by long-standing legal frameworks rather than newly envisioned reforms. The countdown to March 23 is now marked by preparations under the established electoral proceedings.
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