Both SLD and PO support plan for the direct election of local officials

The Democratic Left Alliance (SLD) and Civic Platform (PO) want the leaders of town and village local authorities to be chosen directly by the voters. At present, these officials are appointed. The plan is aimed at raising interest in local politics and allowing local officials greater autonomy. Although the SLD and PO agree in principle on the idea, the SLD draft, which is to be presented to the Sejm within a week, envisages the new rules applying to officials in areas with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, while the PO wants elections in all areas. Opponents argue that an elected official could be more likely to abuse his power, and that conflicts might occur with local councils. (Rzeczpospolita, p. 1) M.K.