Nearly 12,000 people live in Sillamäe. Throughout this century, the Center Party has always won there. They have received more than half of the mandates in local elections.
In the Riigikogu elections as well, the Center Party has performed strongly in Sillamäe. Just two years ago, they received less than 50% of the votes. At that time, former Center Party members Aivo Peterson and Mihhail Stalnuhhin were successful.
According to forecasts, the Center Party may receive at least 17 out of 21 seats in the upcoming elections. The chairman of the Center Party, Mihhail Kõlvart, says that it would not be bad if the Center Party's sole rule in Sillamäe ends. Kõlvart wants the change to come for the right reason.
An incident in the summer showed that not everyone is happy within the Center Party. Over 350 people supported a letter that called for a new head of the cultural institution. Although the result did not match the people's wishes, it showed that people want changes.
In the upcoming elections, the Center Party will compete against the election coalition Sillamäe Heaks. This coalition consists of 12 people. Among them is former Center Party member Maarika Priske. She left the party this summer because she did not like how the party was being managed.
Among other parties, only EKRE is represented in Sillamäe. The Reform Party has its district in Sillamäe, but they are not participating in the elections. The mayor of Jõhvi, Maris Toomel, says that Sillamäe seems like a closed municipality.
Local government elections will take place in the third week of October.