Saskatchewan election lacks defining issue: analyst

If you’re unsure about the big issues this election, you’re not alone.

Political expert Joseph Garcea said this year’s campaign hasn’t had a clear issue, and short term promises have replaced deep discussions about the role of government.
 
This in turn, has offered voters little to define major differences between provincial parties.
 
 “That’s really been at the heart of this. It’s really been how well have things been managed? How poorly have things been managed?” said Garcea.
 
The University of Saskatchewan professor said he’s heard people lament the fact this election has focused more on marginal adjustments than on fundamental issues.
 
He said deeper discussions could have taken place on community development in northern Saskatchewan, along with indigenous issues. Instead, Garcea believes parties have touched on these topics in a limited way.
 
Not surprising, he said, during election time.
 
“There’s a fine line between reassuring people that there’s stability, and thinking about radical alternatives for the future. People sometimes get uneasy about that and parties are reluctant to engage in those kinds of conversations in public in case it backfires on them.”
 
As for how effectively parties have communicated this election, Garcea said the trend toward increased television and radio advertising has served to engage more people in the race.
 
“Lawn signs and billboards are still quite important, but their importance is diminished in light of social media and television ads that can be focused at critical times,” said Garcia.
 
As for the days ahead, the political expert kept his advice simple: mobilize voters. Garcea said this is most crucial for the NDP as they try to gain seats.