Turnout rises as Slovakia holds local and regional elections together
For only the second time in the country's history, combined elections have just taken place in Slovakia. On Sunday, the State Commission for Elections and Control of Political Party Financing confirmed the results of the municipal elections and elections to higher territorial units.
More than 2,170,000 voters cast their ballots. Voter turnout thus reached 48.48 percent, an increase of more than 2 percentage points compared to the situation four years ago.
Source: STVR
EC Rep Views Upcoming Period as Important for Local Governments
Head of the European Commission (EC) Representation in Slovakia Peter Stano views the upcoming period as an important one for local and regional governments. In the context of the EU, Stano attributes the significance to a shift in philosophy and approach regarding the use of European funds.
As of 2028, European funds will start flowing into Slovakia from the new seven-year EU budget. "The volume and manner in which the planned €20 billion is released for Slovakia will depend on the quality of the National Regional Partnership Plan. The plan is prepared within Slovakia and falls under the responsibility of national authorities. It should outline a strategic vision for the use of European funds, ensuring that they are directed toward sustainable investments in key sectors and reforms, so that they yield significant returns and help to align the parameters of the Slovak economy with the needs of the future," said Stano.
At the same time, Stano stated that the EC Representation in Slovakia is ready to cooperate intensively with mayors of towns and villages and regional governors via organisations such as SK8, the Slovak Towns and Villages Association (ZMOS), and the Union of Towns of Slovakia (UMS), as well as on an individual basis. According to him, the goal is for local and regional governments in Slovakia to benefit as much as possible from European funding in the interests and for the benefit of the public.
Source: TASR
Combined Elections Proceeded Smoothly and Peacefully
The combined local and regional elections held on Saturday (24 October) proceeded smoothly and peacefully, with no major incidents. State Electoral Commission chairman Eduard Burda praised the work of the police, which, he said, helped to ensure that the situations that arose were resolved in a calm manner.
Police Corps president Jana Maškarová said that more than 5,800 police officers were deployed in connection with the elections. She stressed that the police had taken several preventive and security measures well in advance.
The police recorded a total of 317 reports concerning suspected unlawful conduct or other election-related incidents in the period leading up to the elections and on election day. Particular attention was paid to reports alleging potential vote-buying, the distribution of money, influencing of voters, or manipulation of the voting process. The police also dealt with reports concerning alleged violations of the election moratorium, conflicts between candidates, and the damaging of election materials.
Source: TASR
