Editorial: a line-up for elections

Photo: SCANPIX

In polls published by Postimees in December 2010 regarding support for potential presidential candidates, the name of Toomas Hendrik Ilves was way ahead of all others even without final clarity if he'd run for second term or not. Even so, the starting positions were laid down for elections in 2011. 

Notably, perhaps, the other candidate afterwards involved – Indrek Tarand – the pollsters had totally failed to even suggest. The most popular after Mr Ilves were Arnold Rüütel, Andres Tarand, Ene Ergma and others.

Again, Postimees is publishing a poll. Again, a list of names have been proposed, and at the very start let us underline: a year to go to the elections, it’s highly likely a realistic candidate is missing. All the poll does is reflect the discussions publicly held thus far – rather embryonic.

Also possibly, the people reflected in the table might not get set up at all. And thirdly, let’s remember that while popularity does matter, the President will still be elected by Riigikogu or Electoral College.

But let’s take a look at the results. The above-10-percent bunch clearly stands out. These are foreign minister Marina Kaljurand, Tallinn mayor Edgar Savisaar, former European Commission vice president Siim Kallas and MEP Indrek Tarand. At that, Ms Kaljurand has spurted ahead of the veteran politicians Savisaar and Kallas. Takes no rocket science to see why: earlier only known as an official at a ministry and a figure in Moscow while Ambassador in 2007, Marina Kaljurand now enjoys constant public limelight as a (relatively new) member of the government.

Whatever Reform will decide regarding its candidate, we know not. However, judging by the poll the squirrels have at least hit the PR-mark with fresh foreign minister. Probably, whoever supports Ms Kaljurand sees her as a face untainted by the political mud throwing, and a good specialist in her field. The political experience which a President does need is not the main point

Therefore, what we mainly know now is to just keep an eye on Marina Kaljurand in the 2016 elections context. To draw conclusions more far-reaching would be too much of guesswork.