Meanwhile, the European Union Centre at RMIT, Swinburne University and the Contemporary European Studies Association of Australia (CESAA) have organised two forums featuring a selection of the candidates running for the overseas electorate of Africa, Asia, Oceania and Antarctica.

The first forum will take place on Wednesday, February 14, from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm in the Emily McPherson Building at the RMIT City Campus.

The second will unfold on Thursday, February 15, from 6:30 pm at Co.As.It.’s Museo Italiano in Carlton.

Both events will provide a platform for candidates standing in the election to illustrate their program and political agenda, and will be facilitated by Associate Professor at Swinburne University Bruno Mascitelli.

In the introduction, lecturer and course coordinator at Navitas College of Public Safety, Chiara De Lazzari, will explain the context of the election and present the candidates.

The first forum will be held in English for second- and third-generation Italo-Australians whose mother tongue is English but who still take an interest in voting, and for those passionate about European politics who are closely following this electoral race.

Dr De Lazzari explained that there is a lot of focus on the Italian election, as the outcome will have a significant impact on European politics in general.

Meanwhile, the second meeting will be held in Italian for those Italians who have moved to Australia.

Those in attendance at the forums will have the opportunity to learn more about the election and ask candidates questions so as to make an informed decision come election time.

The meetings will also provide the opportunity to discuss Italy’s new electoral law, dubbed “Rosatellum”, and how the vote of Italians living abroad could affect the election results.

To book for the forum on Wednesday, February 14, follow the link.

Electoral ballot papers will be sent to postal addresses by Sunday, February 18.

Follow the instructions on the information slip to vote and return the stamped envelope as soon as possible.

All electoral ballot papers should reach the Consulate by Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 4:00 pm.