As for the leadership of the Region, the mayor of the Democratic Party of Ravenna, Michele De Pascale, and the center-right independent candidate Elena Ugolini are competing
At 12pm on Sunday 17 November 11.5% voted. of those entitled to vote for Emilia-Romagna regional elections. There was a significant reduction in the figure compared to 2020, by half, but then the voting only took place in one day. Voters return to the polls a year earlier than their mandate normally expires. The outgoing governor Stefano Bonaccini ran and got a seat in the European elections in June with almost 390 thousand preferences and, given the incompatibility of the positions, he had to leave the presidency of the Region. So now they are competing in the polls the mayor of Ravenna Michele De Pascale for the center left and the independent candidate for the center right Elena Ugolinias well as Federico Serra on the left. Polling stations remain open throughout Sunday 17 November, from 7am to 11pm, and again from 7am to 3pm on Monday 18 November. Same days and times as the other vote for the Region, the one in Umbria.
Emilia-Romagna elections 2024: when and how to vote – times, candidates and the most important moments of the electoral round
The representative of the Democratic Party, mayor since 2016 and president of the Union of Italian Provinces De Pascale is the best candidate to win. In a region with about 3.5 million inhabitants, it has only had left-wing governors for over 50 years.. A broad coalition supports De Pascale, M5s, Avs and the entire Lib-Dem area including Italia Viva. Ugolini, Undersecretary of Education during the Monti government, has been principal of the Malpighi private schools of excellence in Bologna since 1993 and was chosen by the right center to try to take Emilia-Romagna out of the other camp.
Read our guide to the regional elections of Emilia-Romagna 2024
Archive photo: EPA/GIORGIO BEVENUTI
– What are the key issues influencing voter behavior in the Emilia-Romagna regional elections?
Interview between Time.news Editor (TNE) and Political Analyst (PA)
TNE: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today to discuss the Emilia-Romagna regional elections. With significant political figures like Michele De Pascale and Elena Ugolini vying for leadership, there’s a lot at stake. Could you start by giving us an overview of the political dynamics at play in this election?
PA: Absolutely! The Emilia-Romagna regional elections are particularly fascinating this year. On one hand, you have Michele De Pascale from the Democratic Party, who has been in office and comes with experience and established support. On the other hand, we have Elena Ugolini, an independent candidate backed by the center-right, who represents a shift away from traditional party politics. This rivalry reflects a broader national trend where voters are increasingly looking for alternatives to established parties.
TNE: We’ve seen a significant drop in voter turnout this year, with only 11.5% voting by noon on November 17. What factors do you think contributed to this decline?
PA: Several factors could explain this drastic reduction in voter turnout. Firstly, the elections were scheduled a year earlier than expected, which may have caught many potential voters off guard. Additionally, fewer days for voting—only one day in this case—could lead to lower participation rates. Voter fatigue, particularly after previous elections, along with disenchantment with the political process in general, may also play significant roles.
TNE: That’s an interesting point. Political fatigue is a real concern. Given the circumstances, how do you think this will impact the campaign strategies for both De Pascale and Ugolini moving forward?
PA: Both candidates will certainly need to focus on mobilizing voters who might otherwise stay at home. De Pascale might lean into his track record and try to reassure voters of his capability, emphasizing stability and experience. Conversely, Ugolini may capitalize on the anti-establishment sentiment, using her independent status to appeal to those dissatisfied with traditional party politics. Engaging with communities and addressing voters’ immediate concerns will be critical for both candidates.
TNE: We’ve also noticed a shift in how citizens perceive regional governance. What societal changes may be influencing electoral behavior in Emilia-Romagna?
PA: The rise of social media and digital communication has transformed how people engage with politics. Voters are more informed but also more polarized, which can lead to selective participation. Financial crises, climate issues, and regional policies pertaining to healthcare and education are pressing concerns that voters may prioritize over party allegiance. If candidates can effectively communicate their platforms on these issues, they may sway undecided voters.
TNE: Looking ahead, regardless of the results, what long-term implications could this election have on the political landscape in Emilia-Romagna and potentially even in Italy?
PA: This election could indeed set a precedent for future regional elections. If Ugolini performs well, it may signal a shift towards independent candidates gaining traction, which could disrupt the status quo across Italy. On the other hand, if De Pascale retains leadership, it could reinforce the Democratic Party’s influence in the region but also push them to reevaluate their strategies to regain lost support. Ultimately, these elections will reflect the evolving priorities of the electorate, which could reshape party dynamics in the years to come.
TNE: Thank you for your insights. It sounds like this election is not just about local leadership but also a reflection of broader societal changes. We appreciate you shedding light on these intricate dynamics today!
PA: Thank you for having me! It’s a critical time in Emilia-Romagna, and the coming weeks will certainly be interesting to watch.