Monday, April 11, 2011

Peruvians living in Spain, the key to the outcome of elections

On the morning of Sunday, from 8.00 in the morning, the IFEMA fairgrounds in Madrid has been Peru. All immigrants living in the Andean country in the Spanish capital have been concentrated with the same goal: the election. In total, 123,931 Peruvians were eligible to vote at the 600 polling stations authorized in 16 Spanish cities, according to data released by the Embassy of Peru in Spain.

The majority voted in Madrid (67 836 where they were called), the IFEMA fairground and Barcelona (33 787 invited) at the Palau Sant Jordi. The high turnout marked the day, touching 64% in Barcelona and close to that figure in Madrid, where some voters have complained they could not exercise their right to vote.

In particular and according to sources, the number of people who have been exercising their right vary from 5,000, according to 'El Comercio' to 10,000 in the words of the Consul of Peru in Madrid, quoted by Efe, "is an exaggeration ". The problem had been because some polling stations were not operational or because the names of the voters not on the lists.

"I can not vote because there is my table. Is the table there, but are not representatives or papers or anything," he told Efe Mely Bellon, who called the incident "fraud" and has indicated that there were more polling stations affected by the same problem. The consul himself has estimated that in the absence of definitive data, the number of tables involved, in which a maximum of 200 people came, "is no more than ten of the 348 planned in Madrid, that is, a maximum of 2,000 affected.

Has been attributed to "a logistical problem in the organization" the other problem reported by voters who were unable to vote because come to the table that corresponded found that his name did not appear in the listings. According to surveys, the results will be very tight. The latest forecast gives the winner the candidate Ollanta Humala with 31.9% of the vote.

Its main rival, Keiko Fujimori, would favor up 22.3% of the voters. If none exceeds 50%, will convene a second round between the top two. This makes the immigrant vote to be a key factor to success. Spain is one of the largest recipients of Peruvian immigrants. Candidates know this and have not forgotten these fellow citizens.

"Vote, vote, vote for democracy. No to communism!" So men have been charged with electoral propaganda to voters leaving the nearest subway station. Some volunteers, uniformed in green, the rescuers to give indications of where should be directed to fulfill its obligation. And, in Peru, voting is compulsory.

"I do not understand, we are already well advanced as to oblige us to anything," said a voter who had voted. A group of young Peruvian she met him and he fully agreed: "It makes no sense, how long we went to Peru?" Ten years? I've never voted there, I live in Madrid. Do not make me understand " .

However, the head of one of the tables, did provide a hint of the controversy: "It is true that it is obligatory, but not make you fine, as they did before." Beside him, his partner since he said that "it is obligatory only in Peru, who live outside have not fine." Given the lack of understanding, the head table was resolute: "Well, what it is that there is much confusion.

But I have no doubt that, the tables, they put us fine. Although we live in Spain" . Until 8.45, when they have begun to exercise the vote, the work of the tables has been to calm some compatriots, the early birds, who were angered by the delay. Others waited understanding, at last, after all, in Hall 7 of Ifema had to install 347 polling stations to pick up the will to 67,836 Peruvians living in the capital of Spain.

Many of the voters recognize that it is difficult to choose the direction of their vote. "It's hard. While one tries to follow the news from Peru, is not the same as live at home," said one of the first voters to exercise their right, however, remains hopeful that there is a transformation in his country: " We need a big change.

Since Spain is very clear. Not because it is Europe, but because it reminds me now Spain to Peru a few years ago, walking backwards. He turns to Communism. "But not all keep hope alive." Change? I've been from 47 years in Spain, have seen the world and have seen my country. To me that no one comes to tell me that now there will be a change.

It is always the same, "said a bitter voice Peruvian. One thing seems to be all agreed, these elections are defined by the word uncertainty. For voters who have migrated, it is almost impossible to know exactly what the candidates promise." Although I have the feeling that there's not out too, "said a Peruvian as he drew a sad smile to her lips.

No comments:

Post a Comment