Orientation help - Abgeordnetenwatch's parliamentary election question portal starts
Before the Saxon State Parliament Election on September 1st, citizens can directly ask candidates questions online. On the question portal of the Dialogplattform abgeordnetenwatch.de, the 526 Direct Candidates of the 60 Wahlkreises are represented with a profile, announced Project Manager Louiza Charalambous on Tuesday.
Voters can now publicly ask questions on political topics on the respective profiles until August 31st - the evening before the election. Answers come directly from the candidates. Charalambous said, "We want to give citizens the opportunity to give a voice to the person who represents their interests best." "Democracy lives on interest, diverse offerings and transparent information." According to the information, about 600 questions were asked during the last State Parliament Election in 2019, the answer rate was 72%.
"Candidate-Check" goes online on August 1st
Another orientation aid from abgeordnetenwatch.de goes online on August 1st with the "Candidate-Check". Users can compare their own positions on 15 Theses on State Politics with those of the candidates there. In addition, party programs and information on the electoral law are provided on the website.
The State Central Office for Political Education has taken over the supervision of the project for the first time this year. "Decision-making in elections should not only be based on emotions but on expertise and foresight. Our engagement is committed to that," said Roland Loeffler, President of the State Central Office for Political Education, according to a press release.
The Dialogplattform abgeordnetenwatch.de was founded in 2004. According to its own statements, about 300,000 questions have been asked to State and Federal Politicians since then - 80% of which were answered. The goal of the operators is to create more transparency.
- During the upcoming Dresden election, which falls under the State Parliament of Saxony, citizens can engage with candidates through the question portal on abgeordnetenwatch.de.
- The State Parliament Election in Saxony, including the Dresden race, will benefit from the "Candidate-Check" tool, which allows voters to compare their political views with the candidates' stances on key issues.
- After the successful implementation of the question portal during the 2019 State Parliament Election in Saxony, where 72% of answers were provided, Deputies Watch continues to advocate for increased transparency in the Dresden election process.
