Eurovision Proposes Online Voting Overhaul to Curb Political Influence
In an effort to tackle the problem of political bias in voting, Eurovision Song Contest organizers are looking to make changes to how votes are cast. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has suggested that public voting be shifted online, allowing fans to select their top three acts. This move comes after concerns about organized voting schemes impacting the results of the 2025 contest. According to Aftonbladet, Jean Philip De Tender, the EBU's CEO, along with Ana Maria Bordas, chair of the Eurovision Reference Group, support this plan. Additionally, the EBU is considering online voting to reduce bloc voting and enhance fairness. In related news, Moroccan Oil has ended its six-year sponsorship amid criticism. The 2027 contest is scheduled for May 12 to 15 in Burgas, Bulgaria, following Dara's win this year.
Key facts
- EBU proposes moving Eurovision public vote entirely online and requiring viewers to select top three acts.
- Proposal aims to reduce politically motivated voting campaigns.
- Letter signed by EBU chief executive Jean Philip De Tender and Eurovision Reference Group chair Ana Maria Bordas.
- First reported by Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.
- UK has already transitioned to online-only voting starting with this year's contest.
- Israeli cosmetics company Moroccan Oil ended its six-year sponsorship of Eurovision.
- New rules bar broadcasters from hosting if their state is involved in armed conflict.
- Minimum age for participating singers raised from 16 to 18.
- 2027 contest to be held in Burgas, Bulgaria, from 12 to 15 May.
- Bulgarian singer Dara won this year's contest with 'Bangaranga'.
Entities
Artists
- Dara
- Yuval Raphael
Institutions
- European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
- BBC News
- Aftonbladet
- Israeli broadcaster Kan
- Moroccan Oil
Locations
- Bulgaria
- Burgas
- Israel
- United Kingdom
- Sweden