What is an electoral manifesto?

An electoral manifesto serves as a formal declaration of a political party's intentions, policies, and plans during an election campaign. It outlines the key issues that the party aims to address and proposes solutions, effectively informing voters about what they can expect should the party come to power. By presenting a clear and coherent set of proposals, especially in areas such as healthcare, education, and the economy, manifestos help voters understand the choices available to them, facilitating informed decision-making at the ballot box.

The nature of a manifesto is specifically focused on electoral commitments, distinguishing it from a report on government spending or a summary of previous actions, which do not convey future intentions or policies. Likewise, a public opinion survey collects data on voter preferences but does not detail the policies or intentions of a political party. Thus, the role of a manifesto is critical in the context of democratic elections, as it encapsulates and communicates the aspirations and promises of a party directly to the electorate.