APATHY: NOW LET’S LOOK AT THE NUMBERS

In the 2023 municipal election, approximately 7,069 registered electors on the coast of Orihuela Costa voted, which is a turnout of around 49%. This means that 3,602 registered voters stayed home, more than double the number of those who participated in the election. The official figures for the entirety of Orihuela show a higher turnout of approximately 65.3%, with 46,924 electors and 30,636 voters.

Political influence does not come from the number of people complaining about the governance, Facebook likes, or even the number of properties. Rather, it comes from the actual votes cast. The upcoming 2027 election projections suggest a potential electorate of 10,000, 15,000, or even 20,000 people. However, it is crucial to understand that potential voters are not the same as actual votes. While there may be a larger number of potential voters, the real question is how to get these individuals to the ballot box.

Each stage of the electoral funnel is essential: from the population to eligible voters, registered voters, actual votes, and finally, votes for individual parties, and finally, councillors elected. Skipping any stage in this process will result in a flawed understanding of the electoral process. It is important to recognize that registered voters are not necessarily actual voters, and eligible voters are not necessarily registered voters.

The figures of population, eligible voters, registered voters, and actual votes are distinct and must be understood separately.

The PIOC (Partido Independiente de Orihuela Costa) received 1,382 votes across the entire municipality of Orihuela in the 2023 election, which was an impressive result for a new political party. However, it was not enough to elect a councillor. The coast's turnout figure stands at approximately 3,467 votes for PIOC. These figures should be carefully considered by every PIOC campaign meeting, not as a criticism, but as a lesson for the future.

Some residents express frustration about the lack of voting power, particularly those who own property in Orihuela Costa but cannot vote as non-residents. While these individuals have a right to complain, it is essential for those who have the right to vote to exercise it. Apathy does not punish politicians; it silences democracy. By actively participating in the democratic process, we ensure that our voices are heard and that our concerns are addressed.