Candidates2009 - is answer to the need for an independent source of information about the candidates - their political views and their qualifications - for European Parliament (MEP). Our goal is to provide reliable, detailed information about the candidates and to assist our target audience - voters - in determining who and how is going to represent their interests in the European Union. We hope that the portal will improve the information flow between the voters and candidates. We also think that our project will indirectly increase participation in the political sphere and specifically voter turnout in the upcoming elections.

We gather information about the candidates using an internet based questionnaire designed by Stowarzyszenie Art61 specifically for the purpose of this project. The Questionnaire of Experience and Political Views contains detailed questions concerning work experience, political views, specific plans for the activity in the EP and motivation the for running in the election for EP. Filled out questionnaires are automatically posted on our portal www.kandydaci2009.pl and presented on individual profiles of participating candidates. Our portal provides a user friendly browser that enables potential voters searching for candidates by name, region, party, and profession.

It's important to note that Stowarzyszenie Art61 and Candidates2009 is a non-partisan initiative. All candidates - regardless of party, region, or slot on the electoral ballot are given an equal chance to present themselves. The posted information contains no sign of value judgments. After all, one of our goals involves encouraging voters to form their own, independent opinion about the candidates.