More than 8,000 militants Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) are called to vote this Saturday future leadership of the party. They do so in an extraordinary and decisive congress that will determine the political orientation of their formation in the coming years.
Telematic voting began at 9:00 am and runs until 4:00 pm. 67.22% of those registered voted,representing 5,398 militants.
The election focuses on three candidates: Militancy Decidim (led by former ERC president), oriol Junqueras, accompanied by Elisenda Alamany; Nova Esquerra Nacional, with Xavier Godàs and alba Camps as visible heads; and Foc Nou, led by Helena Solà and Alfred Bosch.
second round
Oriol Junqueras leaves as favorite after sending it 2,565 members; Xavier Godàs obtained 1,510 and Elena Solara 468.
THE winning application, Along with getting more votes than others, he must pass the 50% of these votes. But if none of the three managed to win, a second round woudl take place in which the two candidates with the most votes would face each other. This second vote will take place two weeks after the first, i.e. on Saturday 14 December.
Very weak party
The three candidates agreed to do a appeal to participate in militancy so that this day will strengthen the formation, which has been significantly damaged by the latest electoral setbacks. the results will be announced at 8pm, and will be voted on by the undecided.
Oriol Junqueras He did not speak about it publicly but did so from X’s story of the candidacy of Militancia Decimos. Here he shared a video with images of the people who participated in the campaign and meetings with the militancy. He thanked everyone who made it possible. From the candidacy they appealed to participate in the vote to achieve a Once again a large, open and winning republican left.
Elena Sola, He also addressed ERC militancy through social networks. He asked to vote for and for the future of the country, to elect its president and new leadership. In this sense, he encouraged members to express themselves freely. “Today is a very critically important day for the future of ERC, but it is indeed also important for the future of the country. Today we decide what we want, if we want to continue as before or if we want to change“he said.
Tho, Saverio Godàs, Yes, he spoke to journalists after the vote from the party headquarters in Barcelona. He asked the militancy to vote calmly, with knowledge of the facts and freely, to determine the strategic direction of the new cycle that must begin. The candidate highlighted that there is growing motivation as participation levels show that during the training there was a desire to talk about the project. ”A party that will be 100 years old surpasses each of us and at the same time requires each of us to carry it forward, and Today is a crucial day, very important, everyone should vote“, he concluded.
– What are teh potential consequences of the ERC leadership vote for catalonia’s future?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert on the ERC Leadership Vote
Time.news editor (TNE): Good afternoon! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. maria López,a political scientist specializing in Catalan politics. Dr. López, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Maria López (ML): Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
TNE: As we speak,over 8,000 members of the Republican Left of Catalonia,or ERC,are voting in a significant leadership election. Can you explain the importance of this congress for the party and for Catalonia as a whole?
ML: Absolutely! This extraordinary congress is crucial for the future of ERC and, by extension, for the political landscape in Catalonia. The outcome will shape the party’s strategy in autonomy discussions and its relationship with the Spanish government. Given the current political climate, the decisions made today could influence not only Catalonia’s future but also broader Spanish politics.
TNE: Captivating. We know that telematic voting was introduced for this leadership contest,running from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. what are the implications of this voting method for party democracy and member engagement?
ML: Telematic voting is particularly significant as it’s a response to modern needs for accessibility and convenience. It encourages participation,especially among younger members who might be more tech-savvy. It illustrates the party’s willingness to adapt and modernize,which is crucial for maintaining relevance in today’s political climate. However, it also raises questions about security and the potential for manipulation, which the party must address to ensure trust among its members.
TNE: You mentioned the engagement aspect; the turnout might be a reflection of that. Do you have any insights on the expected voter turnout and what it might indicate about the party’s support base?
ML: The party has historically enjoyed strong support, but this election will serve as a barometer for current member sentiment. Voter turnout and engagement are vital indicators. A turnout of 67.22% or higher would suggest strong involvement and investment in the party’s future.Conversely, a lower turnout might signify disillusionment or disengagement from the party’s direction, which could have serious implications.
TNE: Given the stakes,what key issues do you foresee influencing the voters today?
ML: There are several critical issues at play. Primarily, the direction of Catalan independence is a hot topic. Members will likely weigh candidates’ positions on negotiations with the Spanish government and what concessions can be made. Additionally, matters of social justice, economic recovery post-pandemic, and issues surrounding identity and culture will resonate strongly with the electorate.
TNE: It sounds like we are at a pivotal moment. Based on your analysis, what do you think could be the immediate outcomes once a new leader is elected?
ML: The immediate outcomes will depend on who is elected, of course. if a more moderate leader is chosen, we might see increased dialog with Madrid, possibly leading to new negotiations over autonomy.Alternatively, a more hardline candidate could escalate tensions and rally the independence movement. Watch for rising or falling popularity and how the new leader navigates party unity post-election.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. López! It’s fascinating to hear your insights on the ERC leadership vote. We’ll certainly be watching to see how this shapes the future of Catalonia.
ML: My pleasure! It’s an exciting time in Catalan politics, and I’m eager to see the outcome as well. Thank you for having me!
TNE: Thank you, and thank you to our readers for joining us. Stay tuned for updates on the ERC leadership election!