Political scientists see promises but few solutions in election campaign

Latvian political scientists say the long pre-election campaign featured many debates and promises but few clear answers on how to deliver them. In an assessment reported by LSM, they said voters had ample opportunity to compare candidates and their records, but discussions also exposed contradictions in party positions and a lack of concrete proposals.

Political scientist Juris Rozenvalds described the campaign as possibly the longest since Latvia restored its independence. He said the open contest began with last autumn’s disputes over the Istanbul Convention, when parties sought to consolidate their positions.

Jānis Ikstens said campaigning had started as early as last summer. It went beyond paid advertising, he said, with the election contest also playing out in social media posts and through parties’ work in parliament and government.

Both political scientists pointed to the many opportunities to follow candidates’ debates and discussions. Rozenvalds challenged voters who say they have no one to vote for, arguing that information is available and voters need to spend time comparing candidates and thinking through their choices.

The political scientists said voters must decide which fundamental values matter most to them. Seven political forces could enter parliament, according to the article’s summary, with parties clustered around the 5% threshold. Voter turnout is forecast to reach up to 60%.

Latvia’s Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau said it had found no significant violations during the pre-election period.