The main candidates for the Presidency of the Junta of Castilla y León have already exercised this Sunday their right to vote in the regional elections being held this March 15, on a day marked by calls for participation and by the importance of the result for the political direction of the community during the next four years.
In the first hours of voting, turnout stands at 12.58% at 11:30 hours, two and a half hours after the opening of the polling stations.
Mañueco calls for a high participation
The candidate of the Popular Party, Alfonso Fernández Mañueco, has cast his vote in Salamanca, where he has defined the election day as “intense for everyone”.
After voting, he/she has thanked the work of the media and has insisted on the importance of going to the polls. “Today we decide the government we want for the next four years”, he/she has pointed out.
Mañueco has also stressed that a high turnout strengthens democracy and has wished that the day unfolds normally. “I invite everyone to participate. The more people vote, the better for everyone”, he has stated.
The popular candidate has also valued the slight increase in participation registered compared to the 2022 elections, pointing out that “one point more than four years ago is good news”.
During the day, Mañueco has assured that he will face it with tranquility and has explained that his family also actively participates in the election day, with his wife as intervening secretary and his daughters as PP representatives.
Martínez speaks of political “revulsive”
For his part, the candidate of the PSOE, Carlos Martínez, has voted at the Fuente del Rey school in Soria, accompanied by his children, city councilors and socialist militants.
After casting his ballot, he has defended that Castilla y León needs a political “revulsive”, pointing out that a socialist victory could contribute to curbing the rise of the “far right”.
Martínez has insisted that election day is an opportunity for the citizenry to express its voice. “The leading role is held today by the citizenry, who is the one who has to raise their voice”, he has affirmed.
On a personal level, the socialist candidate has recognized that he lives the day with "tension and nerves", admitting that he maintains "a permanent knot in his stomach" during the day.
Pollán speaks of the “day of hope”
The candidate of Vox, Carlos Pollán, has exercised his right to vote in las Escuelas Viejas de Carbajal de la Legua, in the province of León.
From there he/she has pointed out that the election day represents “the day of hope and illusion for those who want this to change”, in reference to the expectations of his/her formation.
Pollán has stated feeling “calm” about the result and has trusted that the polls reflect the desire for a change in policies in Castilla y León.
This Sunday's elections will decide the composition of the new autonomous Parliament and the formation of the next regional Government in a community where the Popular Party has governed for almost four decades.