Integrity and past performance lead mayoral candidate priorities

Integrity and reputation were the most frequently named factors in choosing a mayoral candidate, just ahead of the candidate’s past work and results, according to a survey commissioned by Lithuanian Radio and Television (LRT).

In the poll by Baltijos tyrimai, 44.6% of respondents said a candidate’s integrity and reputation mattered to them, while 43.2% cited previous work and achievements. Another 37.6% said competence and leadership ability were important.

A candidate’s views on education, healthcare and social issues mattered to 25.8% of respondents. Infrastructure, roads and public transport were cited by 21.7%, while 19.7% said they considered a candidate’s ability to attract investment and create jobs. Promises and the election programme were important to 14.9%.

Party affiliation mattered to 11.6% of those surveyed, and 10.6% considered a candidate’s personal qualities. A further 8.9% said they cared whether a candidate was independent and unaffiliated with a political group. Some 6.8% said they did not seek information on these matters.

Klaipėda University political scientist Gabrielė Burbulytė told LRT that it was encouraging that integrity and reputation ranked highest, though she noted that fewer than half of respondents named them. LRT’s summary of comments from political scientists said personal achievements and work results continued to matter more in local elections than party affiliation.

Baltijos tyrimai surveyed 1,025 Lithuanian residents aged 18 and over from September 23 to October 5. The poll used face-to-face interviews in respondents’ homes and covered 110 sampling points. Results were weighted to reflect the adult population; the margin of error was no more than 3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.