Transparency International evaluates Slovak election campaigns

Transparency International Slovakia (TIS) has released an evaluation of pre-election campaigns ahead of the upcoming municipal and regional elections. Out of 57 candidates for mayors, governors, and mayors with campaign expenditures exceeding 3,000 euros, 18 received the highest rating of ‘Transparent campaign’.

In contrast, twelve campaigns were classified as non-transparent, while 27 candidates received a middle rating of ‘Campaign with reservations’. The lowest score among regional campaigns was given to József Berényi of the Hungarian Alliance.

In Košice, the competition was noted for high transparency, with five relevant candidates achieving the top rating, including Jaroslav Polaček, Ladislav Lörinc, and Martin Mudrák. In Bratislava, the campaign of current mayor Matúš Valla was contrasted with that of challenger Jozef Ráž, who received a rating of ‘Campaign with reservations’.

According to TIS, campaign transparency significantly impacts voter decisions. Citing an IPSOS survey, the organization noted that 23 percent of respondents would definitely not vote for a candidate unable to reliably explain their campaign funding, and 38 percent would be more inclined to support others due to such uncertainties.