Before the elections, politicians make the biggest promises to convince their voters. On average, there are more than 150 promises per party and election manifesto, according to an analysis by Graz political scientist Katrin Praprotnik. About every second is actually saved.
On Wednesday, Praprotnik, together with Robert Thomson of Monash University in Australia, provided insight into the mechanisms behind election promises. The period from 1990 to 2013 was taken into account. The central result: in Austria, more than 150 election promises are made per party and election manifesto. That is more than in international comparison. Comparable analyzes in a dozen other countries and governments between 1974 and 2016 resulted in an average of 111 election promises per party and election manifesto.
“More than hot air”
“There are no signs that the number of election promises has increased recently,” says the political scientist, who works at the University of Graz. She also analyzed whether what was said was actually followed. According to her, this applies to just over half of the demands in the election manifestos. “We can therefore say that election promises are more than just ‘hot air’, even if public perception is different (…).” Science speaks of an election paradox here.
Which makes it easier to implement
The election promises that aim to maintain the status quo and the promises that turn it into a coalition agreement are more likely to be implemented. It is harder for those who promise reform. Economic growth and full legislative periods also make implementation more likely.
The project aims to contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms such as party programs and laws in representative democracies.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
