Faroese equality organisation publishes election videos including candidate in leave of absence

The Faroese equality organisation Javni has published video statements from parliamentary candidates on social media, including one from its own board member currently on leave of absence, raising questions about political neutrality, reports Kringvarp Føroya.

Acting chair Elisabeth Maria Rasmussen stated that all parties had equal opportunity to submit videos after two planned debates were cancelled due to low preparation. She emphasised that Helena Jørmundsson, the board member in question, was included for her expertise on the subject matter, not as political endorsement. All parties except the Centre Party submitted videos, Rasmussen added.

The organisation’s statutes explicitly state that Javni is a non-partisan human rights group, independent of political activity. Critics have questioned whether hosting a candidate’s video aligns with this principle, particularly as Jørmundsson is running in the upcoming parliamentary election.