Only long-term residents can vote (but not stand) in municipal elections. Estonia is one of only five MIPEX countries (CZ, LV, LT, SK and SI) with slightly unfavourable political liberties for non-nationals, who are banned from joining political parties or forming any political association. The government consults associations of non-nationals on an ad hoc basis. Moreover, the representatives in such associations are selected and appointed by the state and not elected by associations or non-nationals themselves. Associations can receive national and local public funding or support, though they must fulfil different criteria than those for Estonians' associations.
