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Bratislava – Participation of Slovaks in the June European elections could reach approximately 30 percent. This is estimated by the head of the European Parliament (EP) Office in Slovakia, Robert Sermek. According to him, the situation in society, which is polarized, could also contribute to the mobilization of voters, although he does not view the antagonistic camps positively. Sermek also appreciated in a CD Klub Pavel Demes’s show on TASR TV that well-known politicians appeared on the candidate lists. According to him, this indicates that the parties attribute importance to the European elections.
Sermek reminded that Slovakia has the lowest turnout in the European elections among EU member states. From the data and statements of experts, it appears that attendance at this year’s elections could be higher. According to him, the EP Office is conducting an information, mobilization campaign that is strictly apolitical and aims to explain the significance of the elections. The campaign began last year when they were explaining the legislation being approved in the EP. In the current phase, the EP Office in Slovakia is dedicated to explaining the value of democracy. Sermek feels that people understand the importance of participating in elections. “So I believe that participation will be somewhat better than usual in Slovakia,” he added.
Sermek believes that the political campaign will intensify and strengthen as the elections approach. “Politicians have a much larger mobilization effect than institutions,” he said. He described the campaign of political parties as diverse, with political camps being very divided. Sermek advises voters not to follow simplistic slogans but to delve deeper into the values and programs of the parties.
The EP elections will be held in Slovakia on Saturday, June 8. There are 23 parties and one coalition contesting. Slovaks will elect 15 MEPs for a five-year term. They can circle a maximum of two candidates from one candidate list. (May 13)
