National elections are held every 5 years, and local elections every 6 years. Representatives are chosen by secret ballot in direct elections which are based on a proportional system. Multiple candidates run for most positions. Due to Luxembourg's large foreign population, it has received a derogation whereby EU non-citizen residents who have resided in Luxembourg for at least 5 years will be permitted to vote in local and European Parliament elections. Such residents may run for election after residing in Luxembourg for at least 10 years.
Women participate freely in the political process.
There are seven women in the Chamber of Deputies, including the President of the Chamber. Other women in senior leadership positions include the Minister of Agriculture, the Secretary of State for Public Health and Youth, three members of the European Parliament, and the mayors of several major municipalities, including Luxembourg City. The Government does not restrict the activities of local or international human rights groups. Section 5 Discrimination Based on Race, Sex, Religion, Disability, Language, or Social Status Racial, social, or sexual discrimination is prohibited by law. In practice, blatant discrimination rarely occurs, and relations among native Luxembourgers, immigrants, and other foreigners are generally good.