This is a kind of symbolic body of people representing the entire Estonian population, because permanent residents who do not possess Estonian citizenship can participate in the election of local government representatives (through the local council (volikogu) elections).
Tegemist on omamoodi sümboolse koguga terve Eesti elanikkonna esindajatest, sest kohalike omavalitsuste esindajate valimistel osalevad kaudselt (volikogu valimiste kaudu) ka püsielanikest mittekodanikud.