ORIHUELA — THE MASTERS OF THE DARK ARTS?
If CLARO Had to Fight for the Votes. Then PIOC Must Be Ready to roll its sleeves up for 2027 Peter Houghton — Saying It As It Is There is an old saying in politics: never underestimate your opponent. And when it comes to Orihuela politics, I have said before that Orihuela are the masters […] The post ORIHUELA — THE MASTERS OF THE DARK ARTS? appeared first on The Leader - The No. 1 Spanish…
In the world of Orihuela politics, it is widely believed that the city is mastered by those who employ "the dark arts." While this does not imply accusations of election rigging, it emphasizes understanding the political landscape and learning from past experiences. Peter Houghton, a commentator on the subject, warns that one must not be naive when entering an election.
Historical reports from former CLARO representative Antonio Cerdán reveal that voting irregularities in Orihuela Costa were not a recent issue but had been occurring for years. In the 2014 European elections, two polling locations in Orihuela Costa had more than 2,000 registered electors, while the remaining locations had significantly lower averages.
The 2015 municipal elections saw complaints of "multiple irregularities," and CLARO announced its intention to file complaints with the Electoral Board and Ombudsman, as well as a petition to the European Parliament.
Cerdán claims that thousands of voters were transferred to different polling stations during the 2015 municipal elections, which he believes cost CLARO more than 500 votes. This figure is CLARO's assessment, not independently proven. However, what is indisputable is that the voting arrangements were subsequently altered. In 2016, Orihuela Ayuntamiento redistributed polling tables on the Costa, addressing residents' complaints about long travel distances to polling stations.
Given this history, PIOC (Partido Independiente Orihuelense) should consider the potential consequences of their ambitions carefully. PIOC is not merely seeking additional amenities or infrastructure but aims for a separate municipality, which would result in territorial, population, revenue, and political control loss for the existing order. Therefore, PIOC must approach their preparations with diligence and transparency.
To ensure a successful election in 2027, PIOC should focus on organization, documentation, and adherence to proper electoral procedures. They must identify voters, inform them of their voting stations, and monitor any changes or announced modifications. Having legal advice and properly accredited representatives at polling stations is crucial.
By following these steps, PIOC can avoid complacency and build a strong foundation for their political ambitions. Ultimately, they should remember that, like CLARO, they face potential obstacles and challenges; however, with the right approach, they can turn the tide in Orihuela's political landscape.
Written by urgent.news from The Leader's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
