The 2009 European elections took place on 4-7 June 2009. This vote marked the 30th anniversary of direct elections to the European Parliament. It is interesting to note that the European Parliament since the first elections in 1979 has been acquiring more powers through the Treaties whereas the voter turnout has declined from 63% in 1979, to 56.8% in 1994, to 49.8% in 1999, to 45.6% in 2004. 2009 was not an exception. In fact, the 2009 European elections turnout was the lowest in the European Parliament’s history at 43%.
Obviously, such low turnout has implications for the legitimacy of the European Parliament.
The European Parliament has bombarded people with its awareness campaign materials but that has made no difference. The outcome of the EU elections has shown how the European Parliament is disconnected with the European electorate. Check here the results of the 2009 European elections.
