'Wins the one who obtains the highest number of votes in the first round, not the one who obtains an absolute majority in the elections. Such mechanism of elections can bring very surprising results in big cities, especially in Vilnius,' A. Kubilius thinks. 'Valdemar Tomaševski could become the mayor of Vilnius, as in Vilnius he got second place in the presidential elections, his party got third place in the elections to the European Parliament. Having in mind the active competition with the center-right, votes will be divided among three candidates, and Tomaševski will get a good chance to get the highest number of votes in the first round and thus become the mayor of Vilnius,' Kubilius added. Admittedly, then the draft law on municipal elections provided only one round of elections, and now there are two of them. But in the reality the pre-election situation does not change.
Political scientists Also mention the fact that Tomaševski could become the mayor of the capital. Mažvydas Jastramskis stated that EAPL is going to be the main rival of the Conservatives during the coming elections in Vilnius. He believes that the party phenomenon is that the capital is home to many ethnic minorities. And Valdemar Tomaševski did a lot to unite all the national minorities and attract their voices. For example, during the presidential elections of 2014 he won in 16 electoral districts of Vilnius. The opinion of Mažvydas Jastramskis is also shared by journalist Indrė Makaraitytė. In her opinion, EAPL made a great step forward in recent years.
'This party is on a roll now. Not because it is experiencing its golden age, but because it does a lot more than other parties, including mobilizing voters,' said the journalist during a radio show '60 Minutes' on LRT station.
Why is EAPL, despite predictions and hostility, gaining in popularity? This question bothers political opponents of Valdemar Tomaševski. And any attempts to ruin the reputation of the party, such as unleashing an artificial scandal regarding Renata Cytacka, go in vain. EAPL left the coalition with honour, proving that no stools, but rules and interests of voters are the most important. Indeed, how can one cooperate, if the partners fail to fulfill their obligations and vote for the amendments of conservatives?
It is absolutely logical that EAPL offered its leader Valdemar Tomaševski to lead the list during the elections of the local government councils. His unquestioned authority in the party is gaining recognition and respect. He is honest and principled - this fact is confirmed by voters and public opinion polls. And what is most important, his political style stands out among the constantly dodging and yieldable elite. He has extensive experience in politics, good political instincts and knowledge. Good results obtained in previous elections are the effect of hard and dedicated work on behalf of all the citizens of the country.
Do not criticize, but act – this is the main principle of V. Tomaševski. In his opinion, these candidates for the position of mayor who immediately point out the errors of present authorities, are wrong. ‚Vilnius is dealing quite well with its problems. However, there is still much to do. Much more attention must be paid to the suburbs, it is important to increase the efficiency of self-government enterprises, better funding of roads, driveways, and the whole infrastructure of multiresidential districts needs to be obtained,' said the EAPL leader.
It has to be noted, that during last municipal elections, EAPL in the coalition with the Alliance of Russians managed to gain 15% of votes in Vilnius and got 11 seats. According to the growing trend noticeable in all subsequent elections, Tomašeski has a chance to become the mayor of Vilnius. In turn growing confidence of voters to the party is giving Andrius Kubilius reasonable grounds for concern that the power, which he desperately tries to deny, will win in the capital.
Aleksander Fiodorov
