Letters to the editor

The response of Jorge Mandado of the Casa Argentina Federation in Majorca and Jos William Vega, head of the United Colombia Association of the Baleares, to the proposals regarding their right to vote was that they were both naturally delighted that at last this hitherto ignored yet powerful block of potential voters may soon have the opportunity to influence Local Government in the same way that any other registered resident with voting rights can. I confess to being more than a little surprised to discover that these non-European citizens number in the region of 63'000 in Majorca alone and up to 2'000'000 throughout Spain! One quote by Sr Mandado stands out amongst the many, “with these extra votes it is possible to tip the balance of control of a council”. I cannot but agree with Sr Mandado when he says that this means the Mayor(s) both present and future, their administrations and Political Parties now have to listen to the needs of ALL residents. I feel sure they are well aware of this and that those who choose to ignore 63'000 potential votes will sooner or later pay the price.

With regard to the situation of the 65'000 plus nonSpanish registered Europeans who already have the right to vote in the Municipal Elections next May. As President of British Conservatives Abroad, a resident in Majorca and therefore a citizen of the E.U. I feel it is vital to encourage the involvement of all citizens in local politics. I further congratulate those former UK residents living here in Majorca, who have placed their names on the “Padron” (the list of residents held in their respective Town Halls) and are now eligible to the many benefits attached to the simple task of letting your Town Hall know you exist, not the least of which is the right to vote. I should also comment that the figure I quote of 65'000 is estimated to be approximately half of the true number residing in the Baleares at present. A note of caution to those who have already registered and those who intend to, to ensure their right to vote. Being registered on the Padron does not give one the automatic right to a vote in Municipal Elections next May. There is a further form to complete. It is a “I wish to have the right to vote” form (Deseo al Derecho a Votar) which has to be filled in and given into your Town Hall before the 31st of January 2007. The procedure is simple and straightforward and thanks to the work done by the Partido Popular, both here and in Madrid I am assured the necessary paperwork will be available to all at their Town Hall by 1st September this year. Plenty of time then!! I personally look forward to hearing from all the major parties to peruse their manifestos all of which I would imagine will contain plans to further integrate and involve non-Spanish residents in the democratic process. The leaders of all political parties will, I am sure, engage themselves in meaningful dialogue if they realise that, more than ever before, non-Spanish and possibly non-European residents will use their vote in May of 2007 and that these votes will make a huge difference in deciding the political colour of every Municipality.
My personal message in non partisan.

Please don't throw away your right to vote. Get your name on the Padron and Register Your Intention to Vote. You can and it will make a difference.

Peter Newey, President of British Conservatives Abroad