Not-so-general Election

7 May 2015 will mark the General Election in the UK – I will not be voting. 

Disenfranchisement

Despite being a British citizen, born in the UK and having a British passport, I have been disenfranchised by the British state since 2010 and have no right to vote in the UK. 

Right to vote lost whilst living abroad

British citizens living outside the UK are allowed to continue voting in the UK for a maximum of 15 years.  After this point they become disenfranchised, but do maintain their citizenship.
The 15 year period has been shorter and longer and is set at the discretion of Parliament.  The limited period of enfranchisement is intended to reflect a disconnection of overseas elector with the UK.

Contravention of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) states that “Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity ... To vote and to be elected at genuine periodic elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret ballot, guaranteeing the free expression of the will of the electors”.  The UK ratified the ICCPR in 1976, but continues to ignore its commitments to expatriate citizens by disenfranchising them after a 15 year period of non-residence.

If you have the chance to vote, make sure you use it.  If not, don’t bother trying to write to your MP – you haven’t got one.