OVP TRIUMPHS, SPO FALTERS IN LOWER AUSTRIAN ELECTIONS

UNCLAS VIENNA 000340

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/AGS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL AU
SUBJECT: OVP TRIUMPHS, SPO FALTERS IN LOWER AUSTRIAN ELECTIONS

REF: VIENNA 315


1. In Lower Austria's March 9 provincial elections (reftel),the
center-right OVP, led by the popular Governor Erwin Proell,
marginally enhanced its absolute majority in the province, while the
center-left SPO, OVP's coalition partner at the national level,
suffered major losses. The far-right FPO more than doubled its
share, overtaking the Greens, who landed in fourth place.


2. Voter turnout in the province was 73.1 percent, up from 71.8
percent in the 2003 Lower Austrian election. Preliminary results
indicate the following party-by-party vote tallies:

-- OVP: 54.3 percent, up from 53.3 percent in 2003.

-- SPO: 25.6 percent, down from 33.6 percent in 2003.

-- FPO: 10.5 percent, up from 4.5 percent in 2003.

-- Greens: 6.8 percent, down from 7.2 percent in 2003.

Comment
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3. The elections in Lower Austria revolved around the popular
longtime governor Proell, who fully benefited from the status of
incumbent. Proell had successfully distanced himself from scandals
at the national level largely involving allegations against OVP
Interior Ministry officials, as well as from the constant bickering
between SPO and OVP in the federal coalition government. The SPO's
weakness in the province came as no surprise, particularly given the
inability of the bland SPO top candidate, Deputy Governor Heidemaria
Onodi, to gain profile vis-`-vis Proell. However, the extent of the
party's slippage went even beyond expectations. Despite calls from
some conservatives, we assess the Lower Austrian ballot as unlikely
to encourage OVP or SPO to call early elections at the national
level this spring. The results are attributed mostly to provincial
politics, rather than a nationwide shift in the electorate. Kilner