The main political parties have made little effort to attract immigrant candidates even though migrants will account for one in eight potential voters in the upcoming local elections, new research shows.
More than 40 immigrant candidates stood for local election in 2009, about half of them representing the main political parties. The latest figures, however, indicate that only 29 immigrant candidates are contesting the upcoming locals. Most are running as Independents, with nine attached to the main political parties.
A research document undertaken on behalf of the immigrant organisation Forum Polonia notes that five years ago, senior figures for political parties campaigned on behalf of immigrant candidates, while some parties hired officials with responsibility for recruiting immigrant candidates and members.
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