The President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering was outraged when UKIP MEPs appeared in the chamber, dressed up as poultry, in bright yellow shirts, with the slogan “too chicken for a referendum?” and brandishing large yellow placards saying “referendum”.
As the protest was silent it was not in breach of parliamentary rules. All chicken MEPs in the foyer of the chamber had their names taken by officials. The Head of Security claimed: “The wearing of costumes is against the rules of the Parliament,” but was unable to produce any evidence of this.

For starters, citizens elect their municipal councillors for a six-year term. This period can be longer (as it is this time so as not to interfere with the presidential elections last year). The population size governs the number of seats available.
In communes of less than 3,500 residents, the result is decided by majority of votes in two ballots (sometimes in only one) and you are allowed to choose individual candidates on lists, delete those you don’t want and substitute your preferences without disqualifying your vote. Votes are counted by candidate.