Page 10 - Demo

10 | Gazette Life | May 2026GAZETTE | NEWSCOUNTDOWN TO THE POLLSIn a year%u2019s time, Spain will head to the polls to elect new local councils and regional governments. The island is likely to be on campaign footing until then.Sunday May 23rd 2027 is the date set for elections to local councils, Cabildos and the Canarian Government. A Spanish general election must also be held before August 22nd next year, and the possibility of a %u201cSuper Sunday%u201d of voting at all levels is strong. As elections approach, certain things tend to happen. Firstly, there%u2019ll be plenty of argument and debate, as political parties criticise their opponents and try to get their message across. Secondly, we may see pacts and alliances in local institutions dissolve, as parties try to distance themselves from each other and appeal to their core voters.Finally, you%u2019re likely to see spending. Those currently in power often have budgets to spend and want to show voters how they can get things done. If they do this close to an election it makes the best impression, so expect potholes to be filled, streetlights to be fixed and long-awaited projects to be unveiled. It%u2019s also a good time to present your issues to local politicians. If they%u2019re in power, they may be spurred to act; if they%u2019re in opposition they%u2019ll often welcome any kind of stick to beat the opposition with. In a year%u2019s time, Lanzarote will be covered in flags, banners and posters; there%u2019ll be public rallies and barbecues, your postbox will be full of pamphlets and Lanzarote%u2019s lively local democracy will be on full display. It%u2019s too early to make any solid predictions about the results, but we%u2019ll keep you informed of the issues and find out what local candidates are offering. CAN YOU VOTE?If you are a Spanish national, you will have the right to vote at all levels. If you are a foreign resident with nationality of an EU member state or the United Kingdom, you will only have the right to vote at the lowest municipal level.In previous elections it has been necessary to register your intention to vote by mid-January, and you%u2019ll lose the chance if you don%u2019t do so. It%u2019s worth asking for details at your local Ayuntamiento to ensure you%u2019re on the electoral list.Don%u2019t make the mistake of thinking %u201cIt%u2019s their business and I have no right to take part%u201d. The vast majority of local politicians are fully in favour of foreigners voting, as a way of integrating and participating in the society they%u2019ve chosen to live in. %u201cIf you don%u2019t vote, don%u2019t complain,%u201d a local councillor told us during the last elections.