And by the way, if voting and Cyprus is so important to these people, then why haven't they been coming to Cyprus all these years to vote? As far as I know there have never been any significant polls done of the Melbourne vote, or the London vote or the NY vote in any election.
This may actually shock you but I know 2 people that always fly to Cyprus just to cast their vote. One of these people owns his own Dental Clinic and is a very good friend of mine. He is a political activist in Australia and is always engaged in many activities lobbying in Australia. It is these individuals that have a passion for politics who would vote. They would also make a very informed decision in accordance with their political views, ideologies and what they consider to be for the good of Cyprus.
It is also very important to me as well, but I have not bothered to obtain a voter's card just yet. If there is another referendum, then this may change. I just travel to Cyprus whenever I feel the need, and do not go out of my way to go to Cyprus during elections. However, if Cyprus were to set up a polling booth in Australia, then I would probably always catch a quick flight to Canberra and cast my vote, especially in this current environment. I have developed a big thirst for Cypriot politics lately and am always following developments and I do not feel it necessary to have lived in Cyprus to make an informed decision, but I do not know everything either and sometimes I am quite wrong.
There are many others who would also love to have the opportunity but cannot do so due to financial considerations or other commitments.
These people are not interested in voting, they would like to help their country as much as possible as long as it doesn't interfere with their lives (eg. quick visit to Cyprus for a spot of military service or a quick visit to Cyprus for an election because they feel so strongly about the local politics here.)
Like I said earlier. There are some people who are interested and as far as I am concerned, Cyprus has a responsibility to make it easier for these people by opening polling stations in its embassies, just like other countries do.
Australian citizens are actually forced to vote, as it is compulsory and if they do not vote, they are fined. What this actually means is that when they return to Australia, they may be a warrant for their arrest, where they could even be charged unless they pay the fine.
The Italian Diaspora even has representation within the House of Representatives. Greece is also considering the introduce Diaspora representation and this is why the Greek Diaspora has formed SAE. The Greek Diaspora may have their own MPs just like the Italian Diaspora do.
Also, when you talk about Australia, US and Canada, it is not very easy for most people to just fly to Cyprus for a spot of Military Service or to vote. Most people lead very complex lives, run businesses, have careers, mortgages, children etc etc. You know where I work, so please tell me how someone like me can do CNG service without losing my job? There is no way this can happen, and the only time I would be permitted to do this is when I resign from my career, and if I do this it would probably be because I have actually decided to move to Cyprus for good. I would be quite happy to to serve on the Green Line if and when this happens.
The law was passed with students in mind and not the diaspora, the diaspora has its function for their country and voting for a President of an island they may or may not have ever visited is not a priority.
Those that have never visited Cyprus have no interest in Cyprus whatsoever. They are not even Citizens.
However, those that would want to vote, have visited Cyprus on several occasions. I know many people who go to Cyprus every year. I average 1 trip every 2 years. I know a Cypriot Fish exporter who travels to Cyprus several times a year. He actually exports Fish to Cyprus and travels there to meet clients. Some of his trips are for just 2 days.
One more thing.....that national service wasted argument you're chewing over and over again.....don't assume things that you know nothing about....anyone who's done the service will know what wasting away on the green line means.
I am very happy to hear about this DT, because the way you came across just got my back up.
I have never done CNG service, and It is something that is just not possible for the time being. I have however served another country, but I was never obligated to do so and so the term "wasted" seemed quite strange to me especially when I wrongfully
misunderstood you to mean that expats should only vote when they have completed 26 months on the Green line.
I would be very happy if you can tell me what "wasted" means, because I would love to have this insight into the CNG.
I am very pleased that we have just not understood each other very well and that you do not share the same warped views I have encountered from many other Cypriots about the Diaspora.
Well I'll be damned!
