Political parties bring both transparency and uncertainty to Calgary municipal election
Political Parties Make Waves in Historic Calgary Municipal Election
Introduction of Political Parties in Municipal Elections
For the first time, political parties are significantly influencing Calgary’s municipal elections. This shift stems from legislation passed by the provincial government last year, allowing candidates in both Calgary and Edmonton to run under party affiliations. This new dynamic has injected a layer of complexity and uncertainty into the election, as voters navigate a mix of party-aligned and independent candidates.
Communities First Party’s Unique Position
One of the prominent players in this election is Communities First, led by mayoral candidate Sonya Sharp. Although the party insists on not being closely tied to any provincial or federal political organization, they attract candidates leaning towards the conservative spectrum. “Calgarians and Edmontonians have expressed dissatisfaction with block voting and backroom deals,” said Terry Wong, an incumbent councillor vying for reelection in Ward 7. While Communities First claims independence, Wong acknowledges their shared core values and principles.
A Better Calgary’s Conservative Stance
In contrast, A Better Calgary openly embraces its conservative affiliation, using “Your Conservative Choice” as a campaign slogan. Despite officially running as an independent, Jeff Davison receives significant support from A Better Calgary. Mike Jamieson, running in Ward 12, emphasized that political parties streamline the decision-making process for voters, aligning them with conservative, liberal, or other specific ideologies.
The Calgary Party’s Centrist Approach
The third player in the race, The Calgary Party, champions a centrist platform under mayoral candidate Brian Thiessen. This party boasts members from various backgrounds, including UCP, NDP, and federal political affiliations. “We bring a diverse range of perspectives to the table, aiming to represent all Calgarians,” Thiessen stated.
Independents Challenge Party Politics
Despite the rise of party politics, some candidates, including incumbent mayoral candidate Jyoti Gondek, maintain their independent status. Gondek, whose campaign visuals bear a similar color scheme to The Calgary Party, expressed regret-free independence, believing that party politics might undermine local representation. Similarly, Jeromy Farkas, a former city councillor, advocates for keeping municipal governance free from party influences.
Voter Information and Election Details
Citizens eager to vote for the new mayor, council, and school board trustees can take advantage of advance voting, available until October 11. The official election day is October 20, with polling stations open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Daily updates and additional candidate information are accessible on the Emegypt website.
