In some CoE member states, voters are allowed to cast their ballot via proxy. For example, if due to illness, work, studies, military service, imprisonment, staying abroad or religious beliefs, voters in Belgium are unable to come at a polling station, they may appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf (on the basis of a written authorisation). Contrary to Belgium, however, no proof or justification is required to request a proxy vote in France (where proxy voting is the only form of absentee voting within the country) or in the Netherlands (where each proxy can vote on behalf of up to two persons). Although in all three countries proxy voting enjoys a high level of trust and popularity, a review of the rules and the widespread practice may be worth re-considering in order to enhance consistency with the principles of equality and secrecy of the ballot. In Finland, for instance, the Election Act explicitly prohibits voting by proxy. Furthermore, proxy voting is not suitable particularly for those countries where vote buying is a common problem.