Upcoming elections not generating much enthusiasm

Mar 16, 2000
By Darius James Ross

"We're here to clean up your capital" say the conservatives. The liberals, led by former conservative mayor and Prime Minister Rolandas Paksas, are using the 'we're here to work for you' slogan. Paulaskas' New Union of social-liberals proclaims 'together we'll build a better life'. The left-leaning Democratic Labor Party is declaring 'our work is for Vilnius'.

Disappointment in the country's economic and social situation hit an all-time low in November and December of 1999 according to polls conducted by the Baltic Opinion research company.

This could lead to a large increase in voter turnout. A report in Veidas weekly news magazine quotes senior election commission chairman Zenonas Vaigauskas expecting 60 percent of eligible voters to cast ballots this year as opposed to the usual 40 percent.

"By not voting you are not protesting, you need to cast a vote in order to be heard," said Ramunas Karbauskis, Peasant Party leader, speaking on national television.

Despite their skepticism, it seems that Vilnius inhabitants will indeed turn out to vote.

"The situation can't get any worse than it already is. I have respect for what Lansbergis has done in the past as far as fighting communism but I'm sick of his ridiculous smile. I'm voting for Paksas' Liberals because he has a good track record, he did some good work in the past as mayor of Vilnius," said 27-year old Dainius, a professional cello player.

With the multitude of new parties that have appeared in recent months people are having a tough time deciding for whom to vote.

"I am basically skeptical about the elections and believe that it will be another generation before real change will occur here. I feel that I have an obligation to vote as it is my civic responsibility. I definitely won't vote for the conservatives or the labor party as they've been in power. I like Paksas but I'm worried that many of his followers are joining the liberal bandwagon just to get a shot at office - not because they believe in his platform. I haven't made a final decision yet as I'm overwhelmed by the choices," said Rasa, a professional in her mid 30s.

Paulius, an information technology professional in his late 20s, is only voting for his father's sake.

"My father is involved with one of the new parties so I'll vote just to support him. Otherwise I wouldn't vote - I'm simply apathetic. I dislike the labor and conservative parties. There might be a glimmer of hope if Paksas wins but I'm suspicious of some of the candidates that have joined his team," he said. His co-workers weren't even interested in discussing the elections.

"We're skeptics, that's it," they said.

SOCIAL BOOKMARKS:   Delicious   Digg   Reddit   Ask   Facebook   MrWong   Netvouz