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Human rights in the general election?

At last the UK general election is set.  I have just seen a survey on the internet about what would influence people in deciding how to vote.  Would it be the leader of the party, the candidate, local issues, national issues, to keep a certain candidate out, or other factors?  No mention in the survey of international issues and the issues that Amnesty International campaigns on.

I can well understand that people are concerned about local and national issues.  Of course the economy is always important in elections and the national deficit is a big issue this time.  International issues do matter too and I think that we need to try to bring them higher up the election agenda.  Don't wait for the candidates to ask for your support; take the initiative and tell them what you expect if they want your vote.  For me it is very important to vote for a candidate I can trust and who shares my values. Those values can inform policies on local, national and international issues. 

The survey I mentioned asked about keeping a candidate out as a reason for how to vote.  I always seem to find myself having to worry about whether my vote might support someone I completely disagree with because of our first past the post elections.  A brilliant way of deciding which horse wins a race but not good as a way of electing people to parliament and selecting who will form a government.

Will human rights and international issues influence who you will vote for in the election next month? 

About Amnesty UK Blogs
Our blogs are written by Amnesty International staff, volunteers and other interested individuals, to encourage debate around human rights issues. They do not necessarily represent the views of Amnesty International.
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