To ask Her Majesty's Government which Commonwealth countries' citizens need leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for the purpose of registering to vote as a "qualifying Commonwealth citizen".

Although the question tabled does not fall within the remit of the UK Border Agency, the answer to this question is available on the Electoral Commission's website at: www.electoralcommission.org.uk. Any enquiries relating to the information provided below should be directed to the Electoral Commission.

Qualifying Commonwealth citizens are Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK, who are entitled to register to vote provided that they also fulfil the age requirement for registration and are not subject to any other legal incapacity. Citizens of the following countries meet the nationality criteria to register in respect of all elections:

^* Although also EU member states, citizens of Cyprus and Malta are eligible to be registered to vote in respect of all elections held in the UK.

Note: Citizens of the above countries retain their voting rights even if their country is suspended or expelled from the Commonwealth organisation.