This week, the election campaign came to Åsa for an afternoon of debate, questions and political choices. Interest was high – as was the lead enjoyed by the party that secured the most votes when course participants cast their ballots between left, right and somewhere in between.

With less than a week to go until polling day, politics took centre stage at the school. Representatives from several political youth organisations and their parent parties visited Åsa to meet potential voters.

The course participants arrived with plenty of well-prepared questions. The parties, in turn, came armed with stacks of information materials, campaign leaflets and promotional merchandise.

Curiosity was high
– It’s great fun to have been invited here. Many of Åsa’s students have shown an interest in our key issues, such as employment, enterprise and the climate, said Caroline Johansson of the Centre Party Youth Federation (CUF).

All youth wings in the county had been invited. In addition to CUF, the Moderate Youth League (MUF) and the Social Democratic Youth League (SSU) accepted the invitation. Representatives from the Christian Democrats and the Left Party also attended from Katrineholm.

Among the crowds of course participants was Ida Havdelin from the General course. Ida moved between the various party stands to gauge their positions on a range of Pride and LGBTQ+ issues, particularly the safety and security of LGBTQ+ people in society.

“Impressed by the Moderates”
One of the issues Ida raised concerned whether municipalities should fly the Pride flag as a signal of support for LGBTQ+ people and their rights.

– I generally lean to the political left, but I was actually quite impressed by the Moderates, who thought it was a good idea, said Ida.

Other topics discussed during the afternoon included integration and migration, public transport, proposals to ban the hijab, climate policy and economic policy.

So which party had the best policies? That, of course, depends on whom you ask. Teacher Linus Larsson launched a Mentimeter poll allowing course participants to vote digitally for their preferred party.

– As well as being able to vote in real time and immediately see the results, it’s an excellent way to get discussions going with the parties, he said.

Party emerged as election winner
When the approximately 80 votes had been counted, the Left Party emerged as the clear winner. The Social Democrats, the Green Party and the Moderates followed behind.

The Centre Party and the Sweden Democrats received fewer votes, while the Christian Democrats and the Liberals attracted virtually no support at Åsa.

The opportunity for the folk high school’s young course participants to meet people of a similar age who are politically active was greatly appreciated.

Ida Havdelin again:

– It’s good that we in the younger generation have the chance to discuss political issues with one another. Many young people are interested in politics and want to play a part in improving the country.

Text and photos: Henrik Wising