Election Members of Parliament of the Council of Europe cast their votes

The election of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe began on Tuesday morning in the French city of Strasbourg. Among those standing for election is former Federal Councillor Alain Berset. His rivals are the Estonian Indrek Saar and the Belgian Didier Reynders.

The members of the Parliamentary Assembly present cast their votes by secret ballot in the first round. To do so, they must leave the Council Chamber and go to one of the two voting booths set up for this purpose. The Assembly has a total of 306 members with voting rights. Voting is possible until 12.05 p.m. in accordance with the agenda.

The results of the first ballot are expected to be announced at around 1.00 pm. An absolute majority is required for the election. This means that a candidate must receive the majority of votes cast.

SDA