Mandatsträger

Mandatsträger is a term used in German-speaking countries to describe a person who holds a public office that has been granted through an electoral mandate. The word combines Mandat (mandate) with Träger (bearer). A mandate is entrusted by voters and confers the right and duty to represent them in a political body.

In national, regional and local government, Mandatsträger include members of parliament and other legislative bodies, such as federal, state or cantonal parliaments, as well as municipal councils, mayors and other elected executives. They are responsible for representing constituents, participating in lawmaking, exercising oversight of the government or administration, and, where appropriate, managing budgets and public services.

Mandates are obtained through elections. They can be acquired as direct mandates, where a candidate wins a district or constituency seat, or as list mandates, allocated according to party lists and proportional representation. The term of office depends on the legal framework of each jurisdiction, for example four years for national legislatures in some countries, five years in others, with municipal terms varying by region. Mandatsträger can lose their mandate through resignation, recall or defeat in an election, or at the end of the term.

The role is often linked to a political party, as parties typically nominate candidates and coordinate voting behavior, though independent Mandatsträger also exist in some systems. Mandatsträger are expected to act in accordance with their duties, maintain accountability to voters, and comply with constitutional and legal requirements governing their office.