The general public has demonstrated some interest in getting to know the candidates in the upcoming elections, but the candidates seem reluctant to further the acquaintance.

As of Monday only 1.2% of the candidates for federal deputy had registered for the “Get to Know the Candidates!” program, a web application created by the National Electoral Institute (INE) to provide citizens with information about those running for office.

In other words, 98.8% of candidates declined to disclose their profiles.

Those who offered the basic information profiles, which include work and political history and why they are seeking office, number just 58 of the 4,496 candidates for the Chamber of Deputies. Independent candidates have led the way, followed by those in the Labor Party (PT).

The low participation is probably due to that fact that there is no legal provision requiring candidates to make their resumes public, although INE implemented the system in 2012 and has emphasized the importance of making the electoral process transparent.

Whether candidates’ reluctance to participate is based on fear of releasing personal data or just apathy is not known, but officials are pushing to make the information mandatory.

The public, on the other hand, has been more responsive. Citizens’ interest in getting to know their candidates has been greater than the reverse: the website recorded 63,000 visits during the first 15 days of the campaign.

To date, the National Action Party and the Democractic Revolution Party have registered the lowest participation, at 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively, while the Humanist Party was next with 0.9%. The PT candidates have the most signups, with 4.2% of the total.

INE council member Pamela San Martín stressed the importance of the tool for providing information to voters in preparation for election day June 7.

She thinks the process is important enough that regulations to make it mandatory should be considered in the next electoral reforms.

She added that to open public debate about the candidates’ identities must be promoted by both the electoral authorities and political parties, so that voters have better and more information upon which make up their minds when they cast their ballots.

Source: Milenio (sp)