Some time ago there was a discussion about voting rights for citizens living in Spain. The talk was especially aimed at ensuring that all European citizens should exercise their right at the ballot box. A comprehensive campaign must be MOBILISED aimed at encouraging every resident to make sure they are on the voters list for the next election.
What we found most shocking was that, of the large number of European residents living on Orihuela Costa with the right to vote in Local Elections, only a small percentage are registered on the list of voters! This shows a degree of apathy and lack of information, which is frankly alarming.
It shows a lack of effort on all sides to ensure their names are included on the list of voters held at the Playa Flamenca Town Hall, which could then have a meaningful impact on the elections, as we need at least 60% of the residents to register and vote to make a significant difference.
The consequences of this apathy by Orihuela Costa inhabitants are apparent everywhere on the coast. Over the years there has been a mad scramble to build ever more houses but there has never been the corresponding growth in services to meet the needs of a population that now exceeds 33,600 people and which continues to grow exponentially each year.
For every section of the population the lack of spending by the Orihuela Council has impacted negatively on the quality of their lives. Everyone, from the youngest inhabitant to the most senior, suffers from the continued neglect and lack of investment by the Orihuela Government.
What is alarming is that the money raised from the sale of land on Orihuela Costa has never been used to invest in facilities for it’s residents, rather land sale revenue has been spent on lavish projects in Orihuela city, or on extravagant cultural programmes, and even on building projects in the small villages, many with populations of less than 3,000 people.
Never has there been any attempt to invest in the type of amenities that are common in every Spanish town and village. As everyone is more than aware, there is no centre for older people on Orihuela Costa, there are no day care facilities for frail or disabled people, no cemetery, no youth service, no cultural centre, etc. The list of deficiencies is alarming.
All the main parties have had their time, now it is time for a new party, not just any party, but a party with the right leader, a local Spaniard of the right standing. One who is known and trusted by the residents of the coast. And then, we must reach out to the Pedanias who feel just as neglected as we do on the coast.
Local Government affects your daily life so it is in everyone’s interest to register to vote and use their vote wisely in local elections. Your vote matters! Together we can ensure Orihuela Costa has the services it deserves. If we elect more councillors, we will receive more adequate investment.
For all E.U residents you can register to vote NOW. You simply visit the padrón office in the town hall AND DECLARE YOUR intention to vote in the next local elections. Once you are registered you will never have to register again.
For none EU residents, however, including the British, there is a different set of rules. Follow this column for more information.
