The candidate for mayor was community leader for three periods and died at the age of 76 in September of this year.
The recent Municipal and Regional Elections 2024 were marked by several outstanding moments, but one that did not go unnoticed was the case of a deceased mayoral candidate who received more than 1% of the vote in his commune.
It is about Luis Moyano, former mayor of Tocopilla, in the Antofagasta Region, who died at the age of 76 years on September 13 and that he was seeking municipal re-election.
Despite his death, the deceased candidate managed to capture 160 votes in the 2024 Elections, which represents a 1,04% of the total in the area. This particular event occurred because his death occurred after the deadline for registering candidates, which forced his name to remain on the electoral ballot.
Who won the election in Tocopilla?
On the other hand, from the Electoral Service revealed that the candidate Ljubica Kurtovic (IND) obtained the majority of preferences with the 40.98% of the votes. In this way, she was re-elected for a second term as mayor of the commune of Tocopilla.
Kurtovic won over his direct opponent, Daniela Vecchiola Riquelme (Chile Vamos), who reached the 37.08% of the votes. While Pablo Gabriel Albornoz Campusano (Federación Regionalista Verde Social por Contigo Chile Mejor) achieved only the 20,90%.
Time.news Interview: Remembering Luis Moyano and the Impact of Community Leadership
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we’re discussing a remarkable incident from the recent Municipal and Regional Elections 2024 that caught the public’s attention—a deceased mayoral candidate who still garnered a significant share of the vote. Joining us is Dr. Elena Torres, a political analyst and expert in community engagement. Thank you for being here, Dr. Torres.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an intriguing topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Luis Moyano, the former mayor of Tocopilla, passed away at 76 just before the elections. Despite this, he received over 1% of the vote in his commune. What does this say about his legacy and the community he served?
Dr. Torres: This phenomenon speaks volumes about Moyano’s impact as a community leader. He served three terms as mayor, which indicates he was likely well-respected and had a strong connection with the citizens of Tocopilla. The fact that voters chose to cast their ballots for him, even after his death, suggests that they were not just voting for a name on a ballot but for the values and vision he represented.
Editor: That’s fascinating. It highlights a deep emotional connection, doesn’t it? In what ways do you think Moyano’s leadership established this kind of loyalty among the residents?
Dr. Torres: Absolutely. Leaders like Moyano often embody the hopes and aspirations of their community. His service over multiple terms likely allowed him to build a personal rapport, and his policies may have addressed the needs of the residents effectively. This bond can transcend even the ultimate separation of death, as seen in this election.
Editor: Can this phenomenon be seen in other political contexts, where candidates have received support posthumously?
Dr. Torres: Yes, it’s not entirely unheard of. There are historical precedents in various countries where deceased candidates have received significant support. For example, in some cases, voters might see a deceased candidate as a symbol of what they wish to see in their local governance—continuity, or perhaps a missive of their first choice. It raises questions about how we engage with political legacies and how they can influence electoral outcomes.
Editor: Definitely thought-provoking. Given that Moyano received more than 1% of the vote, what implications does this have for future elections in Tocopilla and beyond?
Dr. Torres: It indicates that political identities and allegiances can be complex. Future candidates might need to recognize and respect the legacy of leaders like Moyano. Additionally, it could encourage more efforts to connect with the community on a deeper emotional level. Politicians might strive to establish a strong sense of trust and belonging, knowing that their legacy can linger long after they’re gone.
Editor: What can young politicians learn from this situation?
Dr. Torres: Young leaders should certainly take note of the importance of building genuine relationships with their constituents. Active engagement, transparency, and advocacy for community needs are crucial. They should focus on leaving a positive mark, understanding that the impact of their work can last beyond their term and, perhaps, their lifetime.
Editor: Insightful points, Dr. Torres. Lastly, how do you think communities can honor the legacy of leaders like Moyano in a meaningful way?
Dr. Torres: Communities can honor such leaders by establishing scholarships, naming public spaces, or creating memorial events that reflect their contributions. Additionally, people can carry forward their vision through active civic engagement, ensuring that projects they initiated or advocated for continue to flourish. It’s a way to keep their spirit alive and acknowledge their influence on the community.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Elena Torres, for your valuable insights today. Luis Moyano’s story is a powerful reminder of how impactful community leaders can be, both in life and in legacy.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue to discuss and analyze these topics to understand the future of community leadership.