A political manifesto is a formal declaration of the principles and policies of a political party or candidate. It typically outlines their vision, goals, and proposed actions to address various societal issues. Manifests are important because they provide voters with a clear understanding of what to expect if a party or candidate is elected. They help to shape public discourse and can influence electoral outcomes by communicating an agenda that resonates with the electorate. By presenting a coherent platform, parties can rally support and foster accountability once in office.