AEO Slovakia Final Report Parliamentary Elections 2023

FINAL REPORT Republic of Slovakia

PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 30 September 2023

AGORA ELECTION OBSERVATION

SLOVAKIA 2023

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SLOVAKIA 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND INTRODUCTION

4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

5

DEPLOYMENT PLAN

5

BACKGROUND AND POLITICAL CONTEXT

6

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND ELECTORAL SYSTEM

7

ELECTION ADMINISTRATION

8

POLITICAL PARTIES AND CANDIDATES

8

FUNDING OF POLITICAL PARTIES

10

CIVIC AND VOTER EDUCATION

10

MEDIA AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN

11

CITIZENS AND INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS

12

ELECTION DAY

12

RECOMMENDATIONS

13

ELECTION RESULTS

14

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

15

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SLOVAKIA 2023

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND INTRODUCTION Agora Election Observation (AEO) is an independent non-government, non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering democracy and human rights in Europe. In particular, the organisation provides a youth perspective on elections by training young people as international election observers in order to gain experience and evaluate youth engagement in the electoral process as voters, candidates, and civil society members[1].

The AEO Mission to the Slovak Republic deployed 7 teams of 7 nationalities to observe Slovak parliamentary elections on 30 September 2023.

The observers arrived in the country on 26 September and departed on 1 October. Prior to their arrival and in line with the AEO methodology, the observers completed the OSCE/ODIHR Comprehensive E-learning Course[2] and undertook research on the election process in Slovakia.

Upon deployment, the mission met with various stakeholders, including election administration authorities, civil society representatives, and the OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission[3]. On Election Day, observers were deployed across 4 regions (kraje) in Slovakia – Bratislava, Nitra, Prešov and Banská Bystrica – and visited 70 polling stations to observe the opening, voting, closing, and counting procedures.

The AEO team would like to use the opportunity to thank election administration authorities, civil society representatives of Slovakia, local coordinators, and interpreters, who contributed to the successful completion of this mission. We are particularly grateful to the Open Society Foundation and Comenius University for generously providing meeting spaces during the mission.

The AEO Mission to Slovakia is independent in its findings and conclusions.

[1] Updates about upcoming missions can be found through the Agora Election Observation website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

[2] OSCE/ODIHR NAM 2019, 4 https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/8/a/442735.pdf

[3] OSCE/ODIHR NAM 2019, 4 https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/8/a/442735.pdf

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SLOVAKIA 2023

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The 2023 parliamentary elections in Slovakia, held on September 30, were marked by proficient organization and a thorough understanding of electoral processes and laws among administrators. Despite increased efforts by civil society to engage youth through nonpartisan campaigns, young candidates remained on the periphery in the political arena.

The election environment was characterized by polarization, with Progressive Slovakia (PS) promoting a Pro-EU stance, contrasting with expresident Fico’s SMER party, which independent media labeled as pro-Russian.

These polarities permeated the electoral discourse, with substantial debates on sociopolitical reforms, national identity, and international alignments, notably concerning

the War in Ukraine.

However, on Election Day, the proceedings were orderly and without disturbance, with an equitable gender representation among polling station staff.

The implementation of simplified postal voting procedures, aligned with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, notably benefited young voters residing or studying abroad.

Nonetheless, the electoral landscape revealed an underrepresentation of youth in elected positions, with only a fraction of young candidates securing seats, which highlights an area for potential growth in youth political efficacy.

DEPLOYMENT PLAN

SLOVAKIA 2023

BACKGROUND AND POLITICAL CONTEXT Out of 5,426,352 citizens[4], young people aged 18-30 years make up around 15% of the population[5].

Ethnic Slovaks make up most of the population (80.7%). Hungarians are the biggest minority (8.5%), followed by Roma (2%) and others 1.8% (including Czech, Ruthenian, Ukrainian, Russian, German, and Polish), the remaining 7% of the population is unspecified[6].

The overall unemployment rate in Slovakia is rather low (5.23% in August 2023) representing a decline by 1% since last year (6.1% in August 2022)[7]. Nevertheless, youth unemployment hovers at 19.8%, marking a sharp increase from 16.7% at the time of the last elections[8].

The comparatively less attractive labour market leads to speculations of a ‘brain drain’ problem in the Slovak Republic, particularly impacting youth voters. Many young professionals have moved to the Czech Republic, other EU countries or even outside Europe which has made it more difficult for them to actively participate in the social and political life of their country[9].

The National Council of the Slovak Republic is the sole legislative body (unicameral parliament).

The law prescribes the 150 Members of Parliament to be elected for a four-year term by universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot[10]. In order to form a government, a majority of the popular vote meaning 76 seats in the National Council, is required. Had President Zuzana Čaputová not called for early elections to be held on the 30th of September 2023[11]. following the Slovak government losing a noconfidence vote on 15 December 2022, the next scheduled elections for the National Council were set to take place in February 2024.

[4] Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic (2023) [5] UN Data. (2023). http://data.un.org/Data.aspx?d=POP&f=tableCode%3A22 [6] Index Mundi. (n.d.). Slovakia Demographics Profile https://www.indexmundi.com/slovakia/demographics_profile.html [7] Trading Economics Database (2023) https://tradingeconomics.com/slovakia/unemployment-rate [8]Trading Economics Database (2023) https://tradingeconomics.com/slovakia/youth-unemployment-rate [9]Interview with an employee of the National Council of Slovakia on September 30th, 2023. It should be noted that information given does not claim to represent the official position of the National Council.

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The last regular elections for the National Council in 2020 resulted in a centre-right coalition government consisting of four parties: the Ordinary People and Independent Personalities Movement (OĽaNO), We Are Family/Sme Rodina (SR), Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) as well as For the People (Za ľudí). The coalition government was led by the conservative anti-establishment party OĽaNO helding an anti-corruption focused campaign.

Given internal tension regarding the implementation of the anti-corruption platform, the liberal SaS and its head Richard Sulik demanded the resignation of OĽaNO’s Finance Minister Igor Matovič. Following Igor Matovič’s hesitation, SaS withdrew from the coalition government in September and tabled a vote of no confidence[12]. After losing the no-confidence vote in December 2022, the Slovak government was dismissed and a technocratic government received a mandate to govern until the subsequent elections.

Major competing parties during the 2023 election campaign were Direction – Social Democracy (SMER), Progressive Slovakia (PS), and HLAS (Voice). SMER, a left-wing party, perceived as a populist force, was led by the former Prime Minister Robert Fico who served as the premier of the country between 2006-2010 and 2012-2018.

PS is known for its liberal economic and social policies and was led by the Vice President of the European Parliament Michal Simecka. The newly established HLAS was led by ex-Prime Minister and former SMER member Peter Pellegrini.

Ex-president Fico as the official candidate of the SMER party sparked controversy during the election campaign, given his previous resignation. In March 2018, Fico resigned from his position following extensive protests triggered by the murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, who had been investiganting

[10]National Council of the Slovak Republic (2023) https://www.nrsr.sk/web/Default.aspx?sid=nrsr/poslanie [11]PBS News Hour. (2022). https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/slovakleader-sets-framework-for-early-election-after-coalition-governmentcollapses [12]PBS News Hour. (2022). https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/slovakcoalition-government-collapses-after-losing-no-confidence-vote-inparliament

SLOVAKIA 2023

the embezzlement of EU funds and alleged connections between an Italian mafia and highranking SMER politicians[13]. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 of February 2022, Fico promised to end military aid to Ukraine leading to independent media describing SMER as proRussian and anti-Western[14].

In this context the campaign focused on Slovakia’s position regarding the War in Ukraine and on possible foreign influence in the elections.

According to Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová, Slovakia faceda Russian disinformation campaign[15]. Since the spring of 2022, public support for NATO among Slovaks has declined from 77% to 64%. Additionally, 44% of the population disapproves of the government's open-door policy regarding Ukrainian refugees.

Alongside these contentious issues, the election campaign largely focused on concerns such as surging inflation and the reform of Slovakia's education and healthcare systems[16].

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND ELECTORAL SYSTEM Parliamentary elections are primarily regulated by the Constitution of the Slovak Republic and the Law on Conditions for the Exercise of the Right to Vote and on the Amendments to Certain Acts, as well as the Act on Electoral Campaign and the Act on Political Movements and Political Parties. The parliament is elected in one nationwide constituency, based on a proportional representation system with a preferential voting component. In addition to voting for a party list, each voter can select up to four individual candidates from the same party or coalition list[17].

To participate in the distribution of National

[13] Bakke & Sitter. (2022). American Political Science Association doi.org/10.7910/DVN/4A8LOT [14]Lopatka & Hovet. (2023). Reuters https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/slovak-party-ps-says-it-will-still-tryform-coalition-after-fico-win-2023-10-01/ [15] Bayer. (2023). Politico. https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-risks-losingslovakia-russia-disinformation-president-zuzana-caputova/ [16]Carnegie Europe, Adrian Wells, (2023) https://carnegieeurope.eu/strategiceurope/90555 [17]OSCE. (2016). Slovak Republic, Parliamentary Elections (5 March 2016), OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Final Report. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/c/1/235591.pdf

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Council seats, a party must pass a five percent threshold of the votes cast.

Coalitions of two to three parties are required to obtain at least 7%, and coalitions of four or more parties are required to obtain at least 10%[18].

Candidates who receive preferential votes that constitute at least three percent of the total number of votes cast for the list are given priority during the distribution of seats. Further, the seats are distributed following the order indicated in party lists. However, if there are more candidates than seats received by the party, the seats shall be allocated in the order according to the highest number of preferential votes obtained. In case of an equal number of preferential votes, the order in which the candidates appear on the list should be decisive[19].

In the Slovak Republic, all citizens aged 18 or older have the right to vote[20][21]. Voters can cast their votes either in the electoral district where they are registered or in any electoral district using an absentee ballot card[22]. Voters with disabilities or who need assistance may choose a person of confidence for their assistance, provided that this person is not a member of the precinct election commission. In this instance and if required, someone can assist in putting the envelope in the ballot box. Voters unable to go to the polling station for valid reasons can request a mobile ballot box, but only within the same electoral district.

Voters residing outside Slovakia can vote by mail if they do not have a permanent residence within the country or if they have a permanent residence but are temporarily outside the country and have been registered on a special list of voters based on a request. Voters without a permanent residence in Slovakia can only vote by mail[23]. Vote by mail needs to be requested from the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic no later than 52 days before the election day, by August 9, 2023.

[18]Parties and Elections in Europe. (2023). http://www.parties-andelections.eu/slovakia.html [19]Art. 68 Election Law. https://www.slov-lex.sk/pravnepredpisy/SK/ZZ/2014/180/ [20]OSCE. (2020). SLOVAK REPUBLIC PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 29 February 2020 ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Final Report. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/8/3/452377.pdf [21]Art. 30 Constitution of The Slovak Republic. https://www.prezident.sk/upload-files/46422.pdf [22] Interior Ministry. (2023). Elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic 2023. https://www.minv.sk/?volby-nrsr

[23]Interior Ministry. (2023). Voting by Mail. https://www.minv.sk/? nr23-posta

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SLOVAKIA 2023

The request for mail-in voting can be made electronically[24] or in writing [25]. Following OSCE/ODHIR recommendations on online registration and simplified procedures for voting by mail, voters can for the first time apply online and print ballot papers by themselves during the 2023 parliamentary elections[26].

The recent adaptations in the electoral system, particularly the introduction of online registration and the option for voters to print their ballot papers, are commendable developments that significantly enhance youth participation.

These measures reflect a progressive approach to engaging younger voters, who are typically more adept with technology and online processes. Additionally, the flexibility in voting methods, such as absentee ballots and mail voting, is likely to appeal to young voters who might be studying or working away from their registered addresses.

ELECTION ADMINISTRATION Parliamentary elections are administered by several institutions, including the State Commission for Elections and Control of Funding of Political Parties (hereinafter referred to as the State Commission), the Ministry of Interior, the Statistical Office, municipal authorities, and the lower-level commissions, particularly 49 District Election Commissions (DEC) and 5,998 Precinct Election Commissions (PEC).

The State Commission, a permanent body, is responsible for various tasks, including registering lists of candidates, overseeing campaign funding and conduct, and supervising lower-level commissions. It works closely with the Department of Elections, Referendums and the Ministry of Interior. This department handles

[24]Interior Ministry. (2023). Request for Mail-In Voting Electronically. https://www.minv.sk/?nr23-posta1 [25]Interior Ministry. (2023). Request for Mail-In Voting in writing. https://www.minv.sk/?nr23-posta2 [26] SLOVAK REPUBLIC EARLY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 30 September 2023, ODIHR NEEDS ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT 20-22 June 2023. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/f/c/548809.pdf

several technical aspects of election organisation, such as printing ballot papers and envelopes, providing guidance and training materials to municipalities and election commission members, and conducting a voter information campaign. The Statistical Office operates software for processing election results and handles their tabulation at district and central levels.

Political parties and coalitions participating in the elections have the right to nominate members to all DECs and PECs. Each DEC and PEC must have a minimum of five members.

These members are responsible for administering the electoral process and overseeing election day procedures, including opening, voting, counting, and tabulation[27].

A total of 4,388,872 voters were registered for this year’s elections through a passive registration system. As stated in § 9 (1) of Slovak Election law, municipalities are tasked with registering voters.

In the 2023 elections, 3,007,123 votes were cast, marking a turnout of 68.52%. This turnout represents an increase from the 65.81% recorded in 2020[28].

POLITICAL PARTIES AND CANDIDATES To be eligible as candidates, citizens must be at least 21 years old and have permanent residence in the country[29]. Individuals who are legally incapacitated or who have served a prison sentence for an intentional crime are not eligible to stand, unless the sentence has been expunged[30]. Candidate lists may be presented by political parties, movements, and coalitions.

Political parties are registered in the Register of Parties, which is kept by the Ministry of Interior.

[27]Art. 136 (4) Election Law. https://www.slov-lex.sk/pravnepredpisy/SK/ZZ/2014/180/ [28]IFES Election Guide. (2023) https://www.electionguide.org/countries/id/194/ [29]Art.43 Election Law [30]Art. 6 Election Law

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SLOVAKIA 2023

Candidate lists for elections are submitted by registered political parties, movements, and/or coalitions. Independent candidates are not eligible to stand in parliamentary elections. Party lists must be submitted to the State Commission at least 90 days before Election Day, both in paper form and electronically. Parties are also required to make a deposit of 17,000€, which is reimbursed if the party secures at least 2% of the valid vote.

In total, 25 political parties are competing for 150 seats in the National Council. As per Section 50 (5) of the election law, "The list of candidates of a political party or coalition cannot exceed 150 candidates." There is no minimum number of candidates required on a list. The number of candidates on party lists for the 2023 elections ranged from 11 to 150. Eleven parties fielded the maximum of 150 candidates. On average, each party registered 109 candidates, totaling 2,725 candidates running for office, which equates to 18.2 candidates per seat[31].

Graph created by the AEO Mission to Slovak, https://www.volbysr.sk/en/mandaty_strany.html

[31]Volby.statistics.sk. (2023). The Election to the National Council of the Slovak Republic 2023 – List of Nominated Political Parties; List of Candidates. https://volbysr.sk/en/subory_na_stiahnutie.html [32]Volby.statistics.sk. (2023). The Election to the National Council of the Slovak Republic 2023 – Age Structure of Candidates. https://volbysr.sk/en/subory_na_stiahnutie.html [33]Data from Europe Elects polling average https://infogram.com/fr-0923slovakia-1hmr6g75rrdqz6n), alphabetically

The percentage of candidates under 30 years old across all parties for the 2023 parliamentary elections was 7.08%, significantly lower than other age groups. This represents a decrease from the 10.34% representation of young candidates in 2020[32]. The number of young candidates varied between 0 and 17 across all parties, and between 3 to 10 among leading parties[33].

Four youth candidates, aged below 30 years, were elected to parliament in this year's elections: two from the Direction – Social Democracy (SMER), one from Progressive Slovakia (PS), and one from Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OĽANO) and its allies, Christian Union (KÚ) and For the People (ZA ĽUDÍ)[34].

Youth candidates now constitute 2.7% of the Slovak National Council, marking a decline from the previous legislative period, which saw 9 young Members of Parliament. This decrease in youth participation in the Slovak Parliament following the 2023 elections is detailed in Table 1[35].

based

on

official

information

of

Slovak

authorities

[34] Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic.

(2023). https://www.volbysr.sk/en/mandaty_strany.html [35]Further details on the outcome of the 2020 parliamentary elections of the Slovak Republic can be found in the AEO Final Report on Parliamentary Elections in the Slovak Repulik on 29 February 2020. (2020). https://www.projects.aegee.org/eop/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/FinalReport-%E2%80%93-Mission-to-the-2020-Slovak-Parliamentary-Elections.

SLOVAKIA 2023

FUNDING OF POLITICAL PARTIES Party campaigns may be funded through both public and private sources. Parties that secure at least three percent of the valid votes in parliamentary elections are eligible to receive state subsidies.

These subsidies include contributions for votes, activity, and mandates.

Currently, such parties are granted a contribution of 1% of the average monthly nominal wage in the Slovak Republic's economy per vote[36] (equivalent to EUR 13 per vote, based on an average monthly wage of EUR 1,300)[37]. Activity subsidies are paid monthly, determined by the total votes a party received. The annual limit for these subsidies is thirty times the average wage in Slovakia, amounting to EUR 39,000[38].

Regarding private financial support, parties can accept donations up to a maximum of EUR 300,000 from both individuals and legal entities.

However, donations from anonymous sources, foreign persons, or state institutions are prohibited[39].

The high limit for individual or corporate donations raises concerns about potential transparency issues and the risk of undue influence from wealthy donors[40]. Additionally, parties may receive private funding through membership fees (up to EUR 10,000 per member annually), loans, or revenue from assets[41].

CIVIC AND VOTER EDUCATION Positively, civic and voter education is included in the Slovak secondary school curriculum.

[36]Art. 26 Election Law https://europam.eu/data/mechanisms/PF/PF%20Laws/Slovakia/Slovakia_Law %20on%20political%20parties%20and%20movements_2005_amended201 6_SK.pdf [37]Statista. (2022). Slovakia: average nominal wage per month 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1267812/slovakia-average-monthly-nominalwage/ [38]Art. 28 Election Law. https://europam.eu/data/mechanisms/PF/PF%20Laws/Slovakia/Slovakia_Law%2 0on%20political%20parties%20and%20movements_2005_amended2016_SK.p df [39]OSCE. (2020). SLOVAK REPUBLIC PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 29 February 2020 ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Final Report. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/8/3/452377.pdf

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Positively, civic and voter education is included in the Slovak secondary school curriculum.

Annually, the Ministry of Education issues guidelines on the content and organization of this education, which are distributed to schools.

Notably, in the 2015/2016 academic year, these guidelines were substantially revised to include topics like human rights, children’s rights, discrimination, and national minorities.

However, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of these civic education programs in Slovakia, particularly their lack of emphasis on critical thinking and active citizenship. The Slovak Youth Council has suggested improvements, including curriculum reform, bolstering civil society initiatives, and engaging parliamentarians.

According to civil society representatives, schools are increasingly hesitant to discuss political topics in their curricula, possibly due to historical mistrust of democratic institutions or political polarization within the country. These factors may hinder the implementation of civic education programs in schools.

Civil society initiatives have been making efforts to enhance civic education and increase voter turnout among young people, traditionally low in Slovakia.

For example, in the most recent European elections, youth voter turnout in Slovakia was the lowest among all EU Member States[45]. The "Chcem tu zostať" (I Want to Stay Here) initiative aimed to motivate young voters, aged 18 to 25, to participate in the upcoming September election.

Addressing concerns about the 'brain drain' phenomenon, where educated individuals leave their home country, the campaign involved appearances at festivals, concerts, and other events over the summer. It highlighted the significance of voting in sustaining a robust

[40]OSCE Guidelines on Political Party Regulation. (n.d.). https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/2/b/77812.pdf [41] OSCE. (2020). SLOVAK REPUBLIC PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 29 February 2020 ODIHR Election Assessment Mission Final Report. https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/8/3/452377.pdf [42]European Commission. (2018). Education and Training Monitor 2018: Slovakia https://ec.europa.eu/education/sites/education/files/documentlibrarydocs/et-monitor-report-2018-slovakia_en.pdf [43]For example: Open Society Foundation (https://osf.sk), GLOBSEC (https://www.globsec.org/), Slovak Youth Council (https://mladez.sk/) [44]Interview with a representative of the Slovak Youth Council (https://mladez.sk/) on October 6th, 2023.

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democracy. Key campaign initiators included Občianska Platforma pre Demokraciu, Memo 98, Nadácia Otvorenej Spoločnosti, and the Pontis Foundation, with the participation of numerous NGOs. The campaign also featured ambassadors like former Prime Minister Iveta Radičová, among others.

MEDIA AND ELECTION CAMPAIGN The 2023 Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders ranks Slovakia 17th internationally with a score of 83.22. Following the 2018 murder of investigative journalist Ján Kuciak, the government has enacted new legislation to enhance press freedom, aligning with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) [46]. A 2018 Youth Council of Slovakia survey found that young people primarily access information online, particularly through blogs (93%), online newspapers (90%), and social media (83%)[47].

Social media, private television, and radio broadcasting are key information sources for this demographic[48]. Instagram and YouTube are gaining popularity, with influential channels and personalities frequently discussing politics and society. For example, GoGoManTV, a Slovak channel with over a million subscribers, is quite popular[49].

The "Chcem tu zostat" campaign also gained significant traction among young Slovak voters

[45]European Commission. (2021). https://national-policies.eacea.ec.europa.eu/youthwiki/chapters/slovakia/52youth-participation-in-representative-democracy [46]Media Freedom Rapid Response. (2020). https://www.mfrr.eu/slovakiagovernment-pushes-ahead-with-ambitious-media-reform-program/ [47]Medialnavychova. (n.d.). https://medialnavychova.sk/prieskum-mladi-ludiamaju-nedostatky-v-medialnej-gramotnosti/ [48]Institute for Public Affairs. (2018). Youth, Democracy, and Politics: Slovakia Survey results NDI Youth Research Project. https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/NDI%20Slovakia%20Youth%20Polling%20 2018.pdf [49]YouTube -- GoGoMan TV. https://www.youtube.com/user/GoGoManTV/featured [50]Interview with a coordinator of the “Chcem tu zostat” Campaign (www.pretovolim.sk) and Platform (www.predemokraciu.sk) on November 6th, 2023. It should be noted that information given does not claim to represent the official position of the Campaign.

[51]Politico. (2023). TikTok and Meta warned over Slovakia election lies. https://www.politico.eu/article/alphabet-tiktok-meta-slovakia-election-digitalservices-act/ or Euractiv. (2023). Unanswered questions over social media

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on social media platforms like Instagram. In May 2023, only 52% of young voters (aged 18 to 25) were reportedly willing to vote, according to campaign coordinators. However, exit polls showed a higher turnout, with 70% of young people voting. One week before the 2023 elections, "Chcem tu zostat" representatives reported that their online campaign engaged approximately 43% of young Slovaks and reached one million views on Instagram[50]. The increasing use of social media in election campaigns has drawn attention to the lack of regulation for online campaigning in the 2023 Slovak elections[51].

Political parties also focused on youth issues to mobilise voters. SME Rodina targeted young voters with promises of marriage loans[52], while SMER proposed policies to discourage emigration, including student loans and affordable housing[53].

In the election campaign, young candidates under 30 were not prominently featured. A total of 167 candidates in this age group competed in the 2023 election, with four being elected as members of Parliament[54].

The average percentage of candidates under 30 across all parties was 7.08%, a decline from 10.34% in 2020[55].

The election results, with only four out of 167 young candidates elected, illustrate the challenging odds for young politicians. One contributing factor may be their placement at less favorable positions on party lists, decreasing their likelihood of being elected to the Slovak National Council[56].

actions in Slovakia loom over upcoming elections. https://www.euractiv.com/section/media/opinion/unanswered-questionsover-social-media-actions-in-slovakia-loom-over-upcoming-elections/ [52]Official website of SME RODINA. (2023). https://www-smenormalnisk.translate.goog/priority/nenavratne-mladomanzelske-pozicky-do-vysky-30na-stavbu-rodinneho-domu/? _x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp [53]SME. (2023). https://domov-sme sk.translate.goog/c/23172671/progresivne-slovensko-predstavilo-navrhyktorymi-chce-zabranit-odchodu-mladych-ludi.html? _x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp) [54]Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic.

(2023). https://www.volbysr.sk/en/mandaty_strany.html [55]Volby.statistics.sk. (2023). The Election to the National Council of the Slovak Republic 2023 – Age Structure of Candidates. https://volbysr.sk/en/subory_na_stiahnutie.html

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A recent Focus polling agency survey among young Slovak voters aged 18-25 revealed a concerning trend towards belief in conspiracy theories.

These findings underscore the importance of addressing misinformation and promoting critical thinking and informed decision-making among young voters[57].

CITIZENS AND INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS According to the Election Law, anyone interested in observing the process of voting and vote counting has the right to be present in the polling station without the need to be accredited.

Agora Election Observation welcomes this accessibility that provides for election observation without bureaucratic impediments.

However, the overly broad formulation does not mention all stages of the electoral process and therefore leaves space for inconsistent interpretation by election officials on how to deal with election observers, in particular before the opening of the vote.

ELECTION DAY A total of 4,388,872 voters were registered for this year’s elections through a passive registration system managed by municipalities. In the 2023 elections, 3,007,123 votes were cast, marking a turnout of 68.52%. This represents an increase from the 65.81% recorded in 2020[58].

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these polling stations, the percentage of youth voters was estimated at 14.9%[59].

The polling station staff exhibited equal representation of women and men. In 20.3% of the observed polling stations, the chairperson was younger than 35, similar to the 2020 elections, with a slight majority being women.

Although there were tensions between party candidates in the lead-up to the elections, Election Day proceeded calmly, with no signs of tension or unrest in or around the polling stations. The polling station staff generally demonstrated a strong understanding of the procedures, which were organized and efficiently implemented. The majority of observed polling stations opened on time, and the procedures for opening, closing, and counting were well adhered to.

However, during voting, some inconsistencies in the application of election procedures were observed by the AEO Mission.

Notably, the box for disused and spoiled ballots was often not sealed as required, due to the large number of such ballots. This issue also recurred during the counting process in some cases.

Additionally, accessibility for voters with disabilities remains a challenge, with 58% of observed polling stations presenting difficulties in access.

Overall, election commissions were cooperative and did not restrict AEO observers in their activities. On a few occasions, Precinct Election commissioners required confirmation from their superiors before granting access to AEO observers. In no instance were AEO observers denied access to polling stations.

On Election Day, Agora observers visited 70 polling stations and monitored the opening, voting, closing, and counting procedures. Within

[56]Interview with a coordinator of the “Chcem tu zostat” Campaign (www.pretovolim.sk) and Platform (www.predemokraciu.sk) on November 6th, 2023. It should be noted that information given does not claim to represent the official position of the Campaign.

[57]The Slovak Spectator, 2023

[58] IFES Election Guide. (2023). https://www.electionguide.org/countries/id/194/ [59]In the 2020 AEO observation mission to Slovak, he percentage of youth voters was 14.5% in the 115 polling stations observed https://www.projects.aegee.org/eop/final-report-mission-to-the-2020-slovakparliamentary-elections/

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RECOMMENDATIONS Based on its analysis and observations, the AEO Mission suggests the following recommendations to the electoral stakeholders of the Slovak Republic: Voter education campaigns should allocate more attention to youth and first-time voters in particular. Young people should be encouraged to be a part of the electoral process, especially as voters, observers, or polling station staff. State involvement, for instance in scholastic curricula or civic campaigns, could improve the outcome of youth participation in electoral processes.

Political parties are recommended to adopt internal policies to increase the involvement and inclusion of young people in their structures and decision-making processes, for instance by increasing the number of youth candidates and assigning them to more favourable positions in the candidate lists.

The Procedure for handling boxes for disused and spoiled ballots could be better communicated to the PECs to ensure greater consistent application of the procedures.

Relevant measures should be established to ensure full access of persons with physical impairments to the premises of the polling stations and facilitate their participation in the electoral process.

Further legal regulations could specify conditions for campaigning on social media. This will ensure coherent and impartial online campaigns as a means to mobilise youth voters.

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ELECTIONS RESULTS

Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, 2023 https://www.volbysr.sk/en/vysledky_hlasovania_strany.html

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LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS Core Team President - Noemi Arcidiacono, Italy Vice President – Andreas Martin Speiser, Poland/Switzerland Advisor to the Board - Rocco Giovanni Dibiase, Italy Mission and Methodology – Patricio Borvarán, Chile Mission and Methodology – Tom Breese, United Kingdom Mission and Methodology – Imke Steimann, Germany Logistics Coordinator - Ondřej Hynek, Czech Republic Outreach Coordinator - Mateusz Kamionka, Poland Research Coordinator - Hannah Preuss, Germany Observers Sam Sweeney, United Kingdom Lena Krois, Germany Hannah Brugmann, Germany Frederik Fyrstenberg, Denmark Zajac Kimsey, Germany Gregor Pahlitzsch, Germany Pablo Calero, Spain Paula Schumman, Germany Lucy Murray, United Kingdom Maximilian Brien, Germany Catherine Kennon, Germany Interpreters and Assistants Lucia Fusková Adrian Jendrichovsky Gabriel Szekely