Slovakia is awaiting historic elections: It is the worst possible date, it has meaning, there is no threat of chaos – Domestic – News
Slovakia is facing historic elections. In just a few days, the fate of the future mayors, mayors, mayors and members of the municipal and regional self-governments will be decided. This is unique in Slovakia. Municipal and county elections will be combined for the first time and will be held on one day – Saturday, October 29.
photo: TASR, Jakub Cinderella
Slovakia is awaiting joint elections for the first time
Many are waiting to see if the original intention of higher participation will be fulfilled. What may not help her, however, are holidays or the election time shortened by two hours. Voting will take place until 8 p.m. Part of the voters will probably be away from home due to extended vacations. According to political scientist Radoslav Štefančík, the problem is not so much the time as the date of the elections.
The worst possible date
“It is the worst election date that the chairman of the National Council could have chosen. Until I am asked to express my suspicion, whether he did it on purpose. It is not only about the so-called Valentine’s weekend, but also a long weekend in terms of holidays,” he explained to Pravda. According to him, for many young families, even one choice will not be enough of a motivational step to pass up. Even sociologist and head of the Focus agency Martin Slosiarik does not consider it the happiest.
“Unnecessarily raising legitimate suspicions of politicians’ efforts to favor someone or, on the contrary, disadvantage them. However, it is difficult to estimate the overall effect of the influence of this factor. It’s similar to the weather. In general, it is given a significantly higher importance than v has on the behavior of voters,” he said.
A nice chaos can ensue
Participation in the change of county (elections to higher territorial units – VÚC) and municipal elections was low, even though municipal elections traditionally enjoy much greater interest. In 2017, less than 30 percent of Slovaks went to the polls in county elections, and less than 49 percent in municipal elections a year later. According to Slosiarik, the total participation may not be more than 50 percent even this time. “That is, the participation that is typical for municipal elections. What is possible, however, is that the elections to the bodies of cities and municipalities will be more difficult to participate in the elections to the VÚC, precisely thanks to their connection and the fact that it will take place at the same time in one polling station,” he told Pravda.
We pay attention Overview of candidates for mayors and mayors in eight regional cities
According to political scientist Michal Cirner, although there will be no risk that the participation dazzles, it is not necessary to add that in Slovakia municipal elections have a participant to participate in the parliamentary elections. “Joined elections would theoretically have a strong synergistic effect for regional elections, where voter turnout has always been low,” he stated.
Participation in county elections
- 2017 (29.95%, only one election round)
- 2013 (1st round – 20.11%, 2nd round – 17.29%)
- 2009 (1st round – 22.9%, 2nd round – 18.39%)
- 2005 (1st round – 18.02%, 2nd round – 11.07%)
- 2001 (1st round – 26.02%, 2nd round – 22.61%)
Participation in municipal elections will probably not copy participation in county elections, no connection could help participation in regional elections. “We expect a higher turnout, compared to previous elections, mainly in the case of county elections. This has been the case until now, and since municipal elections are safer for citizens, participating in the elections of mayors and local councilors will motivate them to participate in the county elections as well,” stated Štefančík.
Higher participation, higher legitimacy
“When someone makes the effort to come to the polling station, they should take advantage of the opportunity to vote in regional elections in addition to municipal elections,” Cirner thinks. However, time was not to play a decisive role. It was shortened mainly due to the double rush of counting votes. According to political scientists, it is not decisive whether we will have two hours more or less. According to Štefančík, if someone is determined to allow them to go, they will find time even earlier. “Elections are always about responsibility on the part of voters,” added Cirner.
Participation in municipal elections
- 2018 (48.67%)
- 2014 (48.34%)
- 2010 (49.69%)
- 2006 (47.65%)
- 2002 (49.51%)
- 1998 (53.95%)
- 1994 (52.42%)
- 1990 (63.75%)
In any case, higher participation is associated with greater legitimacy. “Political legitimacy is an important goal and it not only gives emphasis, but it is also more emphasis and pressure on elected representatives,” Cirner assessed. This is also why, despite all the risks, according to the sociologist, the election is important to connect. “And this from an economic point of view, as well as from the point of view of the higher legitimacy of the elected candidates,” said Slosiarik.
Another risk can be that the campaign is running simultaneously. It may not be clear to everyone which positions individual candidates are running for. “Some are also running for mayors or mayors and at the same time for deputies of county councils. It can create a nice chaos,” said Štefančík. In joint elections, elections are held by one commission, which gives voters two envelopes, and we will have two hours less for all of this. However, Slosiarik would emphasize the time when the elections would be held. “I think that this fact is relatively little communicated, which may surprise those who are used to allowing themselves in other elections after 8 p.m.,” he added.
The combination of municipal and regional elections gave rise to the government of Peter Pellegrini. The elections were preceded by an extraordinary extension of the term of office of regional representatives to five years, further terms will again be four years. Until now, county and municipal elections were separate. Except for 2017, we elected chairmen of self-governing regions and deputies in two rounds, in both of which the share hovered around the 20 percent mark, while fewer people regularly voted in the second round. We elected the mayors and mayors in one round, and participation was consistently around 50 percent.