Partyjni czy niezależni? Wybory prezydentów miast
Party or independent? City presidents’ elections in the Silesian Voivodeship

Summary/Abstract: The changes in electoral law connected with local elections modified significantly the functioning of the local government. The essential reinforcement of the position of the local executive authority (which is elected in direct elections) led to an increase in the involvement of political parties in this election. This phenomenon has gained huge importance in the election of the mayors of the cities. That is due to the ideological and political preferences which play a major role in taking decision by voters. Since the 2006 local elections an index of the mayors of the cities who represent political parties does not exceed 40% in Poland and oscillates around 30% in the Silesian Voivodeship. Slight changes of this index over the last elections are the result of the relevance model formation of four political parties in the Parliament which influences directly local and regional policy. The Silesian Autonomy Movement (RAŚ) has gained relevance in the regional council in the Silesian Voivodeship but it did not affect the election of the mayors of the cities.

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