Although 375 million people had the right to vote in these elections - more than half of them stayed away

Although 375 million people had the right to vote in these elections - more than half of them stayed away. Elections to the European parliament usually fail to generate much interest within the electorate - this time was no different. Except in countries like Belgium and Luxembourg, (Austria) where voting is compulsory, the overal EU turnout was even lower than the last European elections - five years ago.