The ÖVP party leads the Vorarlberg municipal elections.
The municipal council and mayoral elections in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg witnessed decisive results in many municipalities, while some major cities are still awaiting the outcome of the elections in runoff rounds.
All polling centers in 96 municipalities closed at 1:00 PM, and the vote counting process began immediately. The preliminary results showed a clear lead for many independent candidates and candidates from traditional parties.
Röns maintains its independence. The municipality of Röns, located in the Feldkirch district, which is considered the smallest municipality in Vorarlberg in terms of area and population (374 residents), was threatened with losing its independence due to a lack of candidates for the mayoral position. However, at the last moment, Florian Schobesberger submitted his candidacy, saving the municipality from the option of merging with other municipalities and ensuring its independence.
In municipalities like Schoppernau, Übersaxen, and St. Gerold, only single lists were nominated, which made the results predetermined. Weak participation in major cities reports indicate a decline in voter turnout in major cities, paving the way for decisive runoff rounds, especially in the cities of Bregenz, Bludenz, Feldkirch, Lustenau, and Dornbirn, where runoff rounds are expected to take place in two weeks, on March 30.
The underrepresentation of women has been noted, as women hold the position of mayor in only 8 municipalities out of 96, despite 20 women running for the position. Thus, the image of the local political scene in the villages remains clear, while excitement and anticipation dominate in the larger cities of Vorarlberg.