election 09

We're coming up on a big election this weekend for Portugal. Yep, I said weekend. On Sunday the polling stations will be open so people can vote. I thought it was interesting that Portugal decided to have elections then, but I guess it makes sense. As one of our friends said, "more people can go vote instead of having a work conflict on the weekday."

It's interesting to see the political process here. It's not very different from the States; political ads, newspaper reports, campaign pledges. One thing I think is very interesting is the presence of the communist party (Partido Comunista Portugues) here in Portugal. They are alive and well, although not as big and powerful as they probably would like to be. During the past couple of weeks a car has driven through our neighborhood blaring communist ideals from a loudspeaker. Funny to hear because we grew up with such a disdain for the communists.

The communist party here actually holds one of the biggest concerts each year. Thousands go to hear bands and the party takes the opportunity to share its vision and hand out leaflets. There are other parties here as well....like the left bloc (Bloco de Esquerdo), Social Democrats (Partido Socialista), Social Democrat Party (Partida Social Democrata) and other smaller ones. The election this weekend is parliamentary so the office of Prime Minister will be up for grabs. I think the election for president is not until 2011.

Anywho, just thought this was interesting information about the Portuguese political process...