Election26: Pellegrini Urges Slovaks to Vote in Local and Regional Elections

Bratislava, 21 October (TASR) – President Peter Pellegrini urges the people to take part in Saturday's (24 October) combined local and regional elections and exercise their right to vote. The head of state said local governance has a significant impact on almost every aspect of daily life in Slovakia, underlining that he won't campaign in favour of any particular candidate or political party. Pellegrini further reminded voters that the election moratorium is slated to begin at midnight between Wednesday and Thursday (22 October). "Every election is a celebration of democracy. However, Saturday's elections are particularly significant. Local governance – your village, town or city, as well as your region – has a major impact on the everyday lives of people across Slovakia," the president said in his address to the people. He explained that municipalities are responsible for matters such as repairing pavements and local roads, ensuring that grass is cut in summer and snow cleared in winter, and overseeing the operation of local kindergartens, primary schools and public transport. Regional self-governing authorities, he added, are responsible for second- and third-class roads, secondary schools, regional bus services and certain medical practices. "In many cases, a municipality, town or region has a much greater influence on people's everyday lives than the state," Pellegrini noted. The president added that residents know many mayors and local councillors personally, and can approach them directly in the street to ask when a specific problem in their neighbourhood needs to be resolved. "It is therefore very important to place your trust in people you know, people you trust and people who have the ability to make real progress," he said. Pellegrini also pointed out that when assessing the performance of national politicians, the people often have to rely on the media or social networks. At municipal level, however, they could see for themselves whether a mayor kept a promise, repaired a pavement or resolved a problem. This allows them to assess candidates directly, he said. "We have the right to vote in local and regional elections only once every four years. It would be a great shame not to use your vote and leave decisions about your immediate surroundings to others. Saturday is the day when every local and regional politician relinquishes their power and awaits the people's decision. This is because the people are the only holders of power in Slovakia. Although the elections last only one day and a visit to a polling station takes just a few minutes, we can directly influence our lives for years to come through that visit. That's a good reason to exercise our right to vote on Saturday," the president said. The combined elections to municipal and regional self-government bodies will take place on Saturday, 24 October. Polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. mf