Opposition Urges People to Cast Vote in Regional Elections

Opposition Urges People to Cast Vote in Regional Elections

Bratislava, October 10 (TASR) – The Opposition parties Freedom and Solidarity (SaS), OLaNO, Christian Democrats (KDH) and Slovakia’s Democrats (SD) are calling on people to participate in the November 4 regional elections, as every vote has the power to influence Slovakia’s future.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Bratislava, the Opposition parties stressed that the eight regions in Slovakia are in charge of many more matters than people think. These include hospitals, regional schools and roads. “That’s why I call on people to cast a vote in the election,” said SaS head Richard Sulik, emphasising the linking of the Opposition parties and their ability to cooperate.

According to Sulik, the united Opposition offers candidates who guarantee that if people choose them to represent them in the regions, they will manage the regions honestly. Moreover, the election campaigns of these candidates are funded in a clear manner, stated Sulik.

According to OLaNO MP Veronika Remisova, various incumbent regional governors have recorded poor results and therefore the regions need a change. “On November 4 it can come. And everyone can be part of it,” she said, adding that in any election the vote of any citizen is equal to the vote of the prime minister or the president.

KDH chairman Alojz Hlina is also calling for a change, as the regions deserve it. “People, please, come and vote. Those who can, help. The change is necessary,” Hlina told the people via the media, adding that the regional elections can trigger a change that could culminate in parliamentary elections in 2020.

Ludovit Kanik from DS stressed that the Opposition parties have been able to unite and show an ability to cooperate. “This election will determine what the political atmosphere in Slovakia will be after the elections. If a change is achieved in the regions, it’ll be the beginning of a big change that will be concluded in the parliamentary elections,” said Kanik.

The Opposition parties further stressed that the higher the voter turnout, the bigger the chance that the extremists will fail in the upcoming elections. The regional elections are due to take place on November 4, being the fifth elections of this type in Slovakia. For the first time, however, the regional governors and councillors won’t be elected in two rounds but only in one.