A mixed bag

In Torrevieja, the Socialists had their worst electoral results ever, they lost 9 percentage points of the vote which reduced their numbers on the council from seven to six. On the other hand, in Orihuela, Mónica Lorente’s PP party lost their absolute majority for the first time in 24 years. She will have to form a coalition with CLR CLARO to maintain control of the council.

Elsewhere in the Vega Baja, the PP increased its share of power by ousting the two socialist mayors in Guardamar del Segura and Redován and has the possibility of negotiating with other political groups to take control in Bigastro, Pilar de la Horadada, San Fulgencio and Benijófar. The PP’s one loss was the council in Rafal to the Socialists. In Dolores, Jacarilla, and Catral Daya Nueva the PP had the most votes but again will rely upon support of other parties to maintain control.

In Callosa de Segura,Formentera, Benejúzar, Almoradí, Cox, Albatera, Algorfa and Daya Vieja the PP have an absolute majority and in Los Montesinos, San Isidro and Benferi, the socialists retained control.

So there will be a lot of negotiating going on over the next day or two throughout the region and most importantly for us, here in Bigastro either the Socialists or the PP will have to form a pact with the UNPLC to obtain a majority in Council.

Many congratulations to both Raúl Valerio Medina who will maintain his position as mayor because his socialist party got 45% of the votes and Aurelio Murcia Rodriguez who managed to capture 19% of the vote and 2 seats with his new party.

Turnout was 86.25% down a little from 88.82% at the last election in 2007.

Interestingly, in contrast to what happened over the region, the PP in Bigastro actually lost 187 votes from the last election (4.67% of the votes cast) and 368 votes (14% of the votes cast) since the 2003 elections.

We can only speculate what might have happened if the PP had kept Aurelio Murcia as their spokesperson; they could have had an overall majority of 7 seats with him as Mayor.