Following on the posting on "Technology use in the 2009 South African elections" Anna Kelly (a Swedish colleague and Head of eStrategy at Solna Municipality) point out earlier today (on Facebook) that a number of swedish parties have been inspired by Obama’s 2008 election campaign to make more use of social networks and ICT tools.

The inspiration comes at a apt time with the European Parliament elections loomes increasingly large on the horizon.

As with any election the main motivational factor is a wish to canvas the electorate, bring out and secure their votes. Most Swedish campaign managers point out that social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Youtube are particular important in this regard as these are the mediums which have the highest number of users. Thus consituting the prime focal areas for potential online canvassing.

This is also recognised by e.g. the Party of European Socialists (PES). In fact, PES's campaign strategy actively incorporating social networks and ICT. A strategy which has been continiously being updated and expanded since the 2004 European Parliamentary elections.

For those of you who understand Swedish DN.se published an article on the topic: http://www.dn.se/fordjupning/europa2009/svenska-partier-harmar-obamas-we...