12 April 2012
An EU estimate shows that only 43% of 375 million eligible voters cast ballots in European Parliament elections, a record low.
The estimate was compiled by pollster TNS-Opinion for the European Parliament.
The record low in the June 4-7 vote could benefit fringe and extremist parties in the EU assembly, which tend to win more votes when mainstream party supporters do not vote.
European elections were first held in 1979. The previous low of 45.5% was set in 2004.