SPÖ Adopts "Win Regardless of the Election" Strategy
The Social Democrats Sweep Ahead in Vienna's Unique Election
Once again, the Social Democrats (SPO) are leading the pack in this year's election for Vienna's city council. With 47.7% of the votes, they outpace the Greens (19.3%) in the 'Vienna Pass Egal Election' organized by SOS Mitmensch for non-Austrian residents. The Communists (KPO) trail closely with 14.3%, the Freedom Party (FPO) follows with 8.1%, and the People's Party (OVP) clocks in at 5.2%. Neither NEOS nor Team HC Strache clinch a spot on the city council with 4.7% and 0.7% respectively.
SPO's rivals argue that this election isn't representative of all non-Austrian residents. Yet, the human rights organization, SOS Mitmensch, suggests that the results mirror the political sentiment of those motivated to show support for inclusive democracy. The elections took place at over 40 locations, including schools and even some sausage stands.
Sky-High Turnout: Voter Count More Than Quadrupled Since 2020
SOS Mitmensch proudly announced a record turnout for the event. A staggering 9,797 eligible voters participated, with nearly 6,000 students from more than 30 participating schools taking part. Over half (5,634) of the participants had Austrian citizenship but cast their votes as a symbol of solidarity with those unable to participate in the city council election.
Alexander Pollak, SOS Mitmensch spokesman, expressed his stance on the significance of inclusive democracy: "Politics should not divide, but work towards a democracy that encompasses all long-term residents. The exclusion of over a third of Vienna's population from the democratic process is undoubtedly a problematic dead end."
A Glimpse into Viennese Voting: Insights and Context
- Voting Eligibility in Austria: Typically, Austrian citizenship is required to vote in Austrian elections. However, in some cases, local councils or initiatives may extend voting rights to non-citizens.
- Previous Vienna Elections: The last Vienna state election took place in 2020, with the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) securing 41.6% of the vote[1]. The present election, albeit unique, holds great significance for the city's non-Austrian residents.
- Voting Rights for All: Extending the right to vote to anyone, including non-citizens, fosters greater political participation and more representative policies. If you seek details about local initiatives advocating for such voting rights, consult your local municipal or community organizations' news and announcements.
- In this year's Vienna city council election organized by SOS Mitmensch, the Social Democrats (SPO) led with 47.7% of the votes, followed by the Greens with 19.3%.
- The unique election for non-Austrian residents, known as the 'Vienna Pass Egal Election', took place at over 40 locations, including schools and sausage stands.
- SOS Mitmensch reported a record turnout for the event with 9,797 eligible voters participating, with over half (5,634) of the participants having Austrian citizenship but voting as a symbol of solidarity with those unable to participate in the city council election.
- Alexander Pollak, SOS Mitmensch spokesman, emphasized the importance of inclusive democracy, stating that it should not divide but work towards a democracy that encompasses all long-term residents, including the over a third of Vienna's population who are currently barred from the democratic process.
