Europese verkiezingen zorgen voor onrust in Estland vanwege hervorming kiesstelsel (en)

The Estonian President Arnold Rüütel yesterday caused political turmoil in the country by refusing to announce a key voting reform on the European elections.

The present law works on a system of closed lists - which means that the person on the top of the list gets elected.

Last month, however, the Estonian Parliament approved, by a large majority, a bill under which an open list system would be used - which would allow the candidate with the most votes to get elected.

The Parliament now has to discuss the bill again, but it is quite unlikely that MPs will change their mind. If the Parliament refuses to agree with the President, the matter could be dealt with in court.

Two parties, the Peoples Union and the Reform Party, which voted against the bill, asked President Rüütel not to announce the law.

Those who support the open list system are saying that the President gave in to pressure from the groups, especially as he used to belong to the Peoples Union before he became president.

The European Parliament elections will be an important challenge for politicians and the people, said President Rüütel in his statement.

"Therefore I believe that the election procedure has to be clear and understandable for everyone, and guarantee that the wish of the people be realised", the President added.

The Estonian President has to announce the European elections at least three months before the elections take place.