A manifesto sets out what a party says it will do if elected, but promises vary a lot in how specific they are.
Look for numbers and dates
A promise with a target and a deadline is easier to judge later than a general aim.
Ask how it will be paid for
Big promises need money. Check whether the manifesto says where it will come from.
Compare with the record
If a party has governed before, its past budgets and laws show how it has handled similar promises.
Read more than one
Putting two manifestos side by side on the same issue quickly shows the real differences.
Filed underPolitics
Sources and corrections. This article draws on the sources listed here. Spotted a mistake? and we will correct it.
- 1 Sample source: background reference
- 2 Sample source: official or primary document
- 3 Sample source: explainer from another publisher (facts only)
