GET OUT THE FOREIGN VOTE:
EU SAYS IT'S A STEP TO INTEGRATION ON CRETE
By Sophia Klidi

       
  According to the 2001 census, there are 7,761 residents in the Demos (township) of Gouves, but current figures are more likely to be nearer 10.000. Of that, there is an estimated 1,500 English-speaking foreigners now residing here, more than half of which are from other European Union countries. What that breaks down to is a pretty substantial foreign voting block. However, until now the foreign vote has been virtually ignored locally. But, with both the European Union and main opposition party, Pasok, pushing the "immigration vote," all that could change.

So far, though, a very small number of foreign residents have registered to vote, and the deadline for the October elections was this past June 30. The main reason, according to a survey by this newspaper, was lack of knowledge. Many foreigners were unaware that they were allowed to vote in local elections. Here are the facts: for people from EU countries there is no waiting period; they need only to show their passport and staying visa to Mrs. Irini Androudaki at the town hall in Gournes. Others, from non-EU countries, must have at least five years of continuance and legal residence.

As we all know, foreigners are moving into our area at an unprecedented rate. They are buying property, opening businesses or becoming part of the growing labour force. A voice in government, especially local politics, is sorely needed for this new breed of taxpayer. And, until now, they have been virtually ignored. However with the new voting rules, all that can change by the 2010 elections. The foreign vote could certainly become the new voice in local politics.

Also, the so-called immigrant vote is something that main opposition Pasok leader George Papandreou has vigorously supported, and the EU, which promotes foreign voting, considers civic citizenship – the right of foreigners to participate in local elections – to be a vehicle towards total integration.

If you are already registered, the township will be voting for mayor, as well as all the other local offices, on Oct. 15. While all the candidates are not yet announced, it is expected that Mayor Blavakis will face some stiff opposition. The September edition of The Ko-Go Khronicles will attempt to publish a complete list of all the candidates for top office, together with a thumbnail profile of each.

The Gouves Township is comprised of eight Municipal Districts, 20 villages, one island and one monastery. They are:
Anopolis M.D.: villages of Anopolis, Gournes, Aghios Ioanis Monastery, and Kokkini Hani.
Gouves M.D.: villages of Gouves, Aghia Pelaghia, Kato Gouves, Pelekita and Skotino.
Elia M.D.: villages of Elia, Dia Island, Karteros and Stavromenos.
Pano Vathias M.D.: villages of Pano Vathia and Aghios Ioanis.
Kato Vathias M.D.: villages of Kato Vathia, Vathianos Kambos and Vrahokipos.
Kalo Horio M.D: village of Kalo Horio.
Koxari M.D: village of Koxari.
Harasou M.D.: villages of Harasos and Voritsio.