One of those is the liberal Open VLD claiming the concept of goed bestuur (good governance). This is remarkable, because goed bestuur are the exact words Yves Leterme (CD&V) used in 2003 and 2007 to present himself as an alternative to governments lead by the liberals. Partrick Dewael, Open VLD member and now president of the federal chamber of representatives, nicknamed Leterme “notary” for this, implying that the former prime minister had no vision.

A much discussed television documentary about Guy Verhofstadt this week fit wonderfully this new image of liberals as good governors. The documentary showed Verhofstadt during the long and painful formation of the federal government. At one point, Verhofstadt is asked to do the job Yves Leterme is unable to bring to a good end. King Albert is even seen greeting Verhofstadt with the words “the saviour of our country” – although there might have been some irony in that.

Another element which will certainly pop up throughout the campaign is “the presidential aspect”. Even though the Flemish minister-president (or the prime minister, for that matter) is not elected directly, there is often one party that tries to turn the election into a “presidential” vote.

This time it is the Christian Democrats. CD&V party president Marianne Thyssen recently stated that her party is the only one with a candidate for the post of Flemish minister-president: Kris Peeters, who already holds the post. Who is the liberal candidate? Thyssen asked rhetorically. Is it party president Bart Somers? Somers headed the Flemish government for one year in 2003-2004, but that was not a great success. In fact the only memory that lingers is his broken promise to remain mayor of Mechelen.

Then there is vice-minister-president Dirk Van Mechelen, who has been a member of the Flemish government for 10 years. Though well respected throughout, he is not a suitable candidate for the simple reason that he has no charisma at all. The socialist SP.A also prefers to keep quiet about its candidate, which is probably wise, as its prospects at the ballot box are pretty poor.

This presidential element is again a reversal of previous campaigns. Before, it was mostly the liberals who tried to put the emphasis on personal leadership, with Verhofstadt as their glowing beacon. After all these years, he still is, even though he focuses on the European rather than the Flemish elections.

And maybe that is where the real “presidential” election will take place. Not only Verhofstadt, but also the former prime ministers Leterme and Jean-Luc Dehaene, as well as the outsider Jean-Marie Dedecker, will take part.