During the plenary session (16-19 December 2019) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs elect the European Ombudsman for a five-year mandate. The Ombudsman conducts inquiries into cases of maladministration by EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies, acting on their own initiative or on the basis of complaints from EU citizens. Five candidates are running for the post.

Strasbourg

plenary session

SASSOLI, David Maria (S&D, IT, S&D, IT)

election of the European Ombudsman (T)

Election of the European Ombudsman: extracts from the first ballot

The election will be held in accordance with Article 231 of our Rules of Procedure. I have received the following nominations: Giuseppe FORTUNATO, Julia LAFFRANQUE, Nils MUIŽNIEKS, Emily O'REILLY, Cecilia WIKSTR&Ouml;M. I would like to remind you that the vote is taken by secret ballot, and that in accordance with Article 231 of our Rules of Procedure, a candidate must obtain a majority of the expressed vote, in order to be elected. Abstentions will not be regarded as votes cast, as it is a secret ballot. A blue light on your terminal will light up regardless of how you have voted.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, Well, let's proceed to the first ballot. The vote is open.

Views of the Hemicycle during the vote (7 shots)

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, Has everybody voted? So, the vote is closed.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, The results of the election. Number of voters:692, abstensions:103, votes cast:589, required majority:295. Following candidates obtained votes: O'REILLY: 240 votes, LAFFRANQUE: 162 votes, WIKSTR&Ouml;M: 73 votes, FORTUNATO: 67 votes, MUIŽNIEKS: 47 votes. So, given that none of the candidates has obtained absolute majority of the votes cast, we have to proceed to a second ballot. The second ballot will take place tomorrow at 12.30.

SOUNDBITE (Italian), David SASSOLI, EP President, The term to withdraw a nomination, if any, is set today at 20. Thank you.