Germany is a democracy and there is an important election on Sunday. I know I can vote any of the parties written on the list or nothing, and that within this limitation I am completely free to make my cross.
This is written in the German constitution:
Art. 20.2 GG:
All state authority is derived from the people. It shall be exercised by the people through elections and other votes and through specific legislative, executive and judicial bodies.
Art. 38.1 GG:
Members of the German Bundestag [= a parliament] shall be elected in general, direct, free, equal and secret elections. They shall be representatives of the whole people, not bound by orders or instructions, and responsible only to their conscience.
However, this does not give any indications on what I should vote. I am not asking which party, but what in general.
Should I vote for the party which in my opinion
- represents my interests best (aka is best for me),
- is best for my country (Germany),
- is best for the world,
- is best for all humans,
- has the best politicians,
- has the best ideals,
- has the best election posters,
- has the best looking representatives, or
- will probably win the election (so that I can be happy if my party wins :) ) ...
OR vote in a way that drives the election result furthest in such a direction?
Note that I do not ask what my opinion of "the best ..." should be nor which party to vote for.
I would like to hear your opinion, but I am primary looking for an answer based on facts or cite-able interpretations. If you give your own opinion, please add some reasoning.