SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico is holding elections that might be historic no matter which of the highest two gubernatorial candidates wins.
If Jenniffer González of the pro-statehood New Progressive Social gathering wins Tuesday’s election, it’ll mark the primary time within the island’s historical past that the celebration secures three consecutive phrases.
If Juan Dalmau, who’s operating for Puerto Rico’s Independence Social gathering and Citizen Victory Motion, wins, will probably be the primary win for a candidate outdoors of the 2 major events which have dominated the island’s politics for many years.
Trailing González and Dalmau in polls is Jesús Manuel Ortiz of the Common Democratic Social gathering, which helps the island’s territorial standing. Additionally operating is Javier Jiménez of Challenge Dignity, a conservative celebration created in 2019.
Hundreds of voters throughout the U.S. territory stood in lengthy traces clutching umbrellas, undeterred by heavy rain.
“I really feel that for the primary time, there is a chance for change,” mentioned Jorge Hernández, a 24-year-old arts pupil as he waited to forged his vote. “The bipartisanship is dropping energy. I’ve religion that there could be actual change.”
For many years, the New Progressive Social gathering and the Common Democratic Social gathering would obtain no less than 90% of all votes, however that started to vary in 2016. Newer events are attracting extra voters given Puerto Rico’s financial and political turmoil whereas a youthful technology is decrying corruption, persistent energy outages and an absence of inexpensive housing, amongst different issues.
Schooling, well being and public security additionally had been on voters’ minds as they marveled on the lengthy traces regardless of the rain.
“I’ve by no means seen it like this,” mentioned Nadja Oquendo, a 62-year-old retiree.
Faviola Alcalá, a professional surfer, mentioned she was voting for the primary time and was thrilled to see the road at her polling station.
“I find it irresistible,” she mentioned, including that she desires a break from Puerto Rico’s two major events and extra alternatives for younger folks.
Among the many voters who stepped out regardless of the rain was reggaetón celebrity Unhealthy Bunny, who has derided the pro-statehood celebration and made a quick look at Dalmau’s marketing campaign nearer.
“I belief that we the folks of Puerto Rico will make the precise resolution for the way forward for our folks,” he informed reporters.
Lengthy traces had been reported at a number of polling stations given malfunctioning voting machines and different points, together with energy outages.
Some voters turned on their telephone’s timers to see how lengthy they stood in line whereas others munched on snacks as a avenue vendor cried out, “Chilly water! Chilly water!”
Ommy González, a 25-year-old bartender who was voting for the primary time, carried a fold-out chair and a water bottle.
“I am very excited,” he mentioned. “Clearly we would like one thing completely different for the folks.”
González mentioned he desires a stronger economic system and training system and denounced persistent political corruption: “Cease taking cash and misspending it.”
A number of voters mentioned they had been shocked at how shortly minority and new events have change into severe threats to the stronghold the 2 major events have had on Puerto Rico’s politics.
“I did not see this taking place so early on, however I am glad,” mentioned Giulianna Abreu, a 33-year-old publicist.
Lengthy traces continued after the official closing of polls at 5 p.m. native time Tuesday, and other people already in line had been allowed to vote. Outcomes might take days. In 2020, it took officers 4 days to launch preliminary outcomes.
Dalmau, nevertheless, mentioned he believed outcomes for the governorship can be prepared by late Tuesday.: “We’re hopeful that this nation will take a historic step.”
Puerto Rico’s State Elections Fee continues to be counting greater than 220,000 early and absentee votes, with counting beginning greater than two weeks later than typical. Jessika Padilla, the fee’s alternate president, mentioned some 40% of these votes had been counted as of Monday.
“This validation course of is one which we aren’t going to take calmly,” she mentioned.
Greater than 5,000 inmates out of some 7,400 whole even have voted, though it’s unclear what number of of these votes have been counted.
Officers are also nonetheless receiving allegations about electoral crimes, together with from individuals who mentioned they acquired confirmations for early voting after they made no such request.
On Tuesday, voters additionally might be requested for a seventh time about Puerto Rico’s political standing. The nonbinding referendum gives three choices: statehood, independence and independence with free affiliation, underneath which points like overseas affairs, U.S. citizenship and use of the U.S. greenback can be negotiated.
“We’ll work to offer our folks equality,” mentioned Jenniffer González of the pro-statehood celebration.
Social gathering officers have lengthy famous that regardless of being a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico receives unequal remedy on the subject of Medicaid, Medicare and different federal applications.
Whatever the referendum’s consequence, a change in standing requires approval from the U.S. Congress.
Some voters on Monday mentioned that statehood is the one factor that may assist pull Puerto Rico out of its stoop.
As well as, Puerto Ricans on Tuesday can help Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in a symbolic vote if they need. Whereas Puerto Ricans are U.S. residents, these on the island aren’t allowed to vote in U.S. presidential elections.
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