Definition of Electoral Campaign

In democratic countries the different political forces are represented in the institutions national (eg parliaments or municipalities). This situation is maintained for a certain period depending on the legislation of each country, although normally the term of a legislature is four years. At the end of this stage, citizens must vote again for their representatives, for which a time is established in which each formation politics makes known to citizenship your electoral program. This period is known as the electoral campaign.

General characteristics of electoral campaigns

The different parties "take to the streets" so that their proposals and who their candidates are for the elections that have been called are known.

Throughout an electoral campaign, the candidates explain what they are going to do and then request the vote of the people in order to comply with their proposals.

Most campaigns last approximately two to three weeks. In them, a series of events are carried out: posting of posters, presentation of candidates, rallies, closing of the campaign, meetings between candidates and the media of

communication, etc. At the same time, sociological studies are carried out in which voting estimates are made by the electorate.

In order for the public to know the different political proposals, television debates are usually organized between the main candidates. In them, political rivals show the opponent's weaknesses and try to seduce the electorate with attractive proposals and suggestive speech.

In some countries, the day before elections, the electoral campaign has a special characteristic, since candidates cannot expressly ask the vote to vote. population because it is a unique day, known as a day of reflection.

Electoral campaigns do not always go smoothly. In fact, there is a institution (the electoral board) that has the function of monitoring the correct functioning of the campaign to avoid any type of manipulation or irregularity during the campaign period and also on election day.

In recent years, traditional electoral campaigns are changing. New technologies have modified their usual dynamics and citizens have the possibility of making their opinion known through social networks. This circumstance has also altered the strategy of political parties, who use the new digital platforms as a tool for communication with voters.

Electoral Campaign Topics