# Supreme Court suspends voting for 'ley de nietos'

9 September 2026 at 09:56

> Spain's Supreme Court has suspended voting rights for descendants of Spaniards pending proof of their ancestors' exile for political reasons.

The Supreme Court has suspended the right to vote for descendants of Spaniards registered under the 'ley de nietos'. The Third Chamber of the Contentious-Administrative Court issued the ruling following a hearing involving **Vox** and Iustitia Europa parties.

The court now conditions registration in the Census of Absent Residents (CERA) on proof that nationalised individuals are descendants of exiles. Applicants must certify that ancestors lost Spanish nationality due to political, ideological or sexual reasons.

This five-to-one majority decision mandates the Central Electoral Board to require specific documentation from consulates. The suspension applies to all affected individuals, including those already registered, until a final judgment is issued in the case.


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