Alicante opens iconic booths after Barcala’s visit with flavor of choice
Eleven hours into the campaign, the Election Board received its first complaint about a candidate in Alicante. The issue centers on Luis Barcala, the current mayor and top candidate for the People’s Party, who led the coalition that presented new lifeboat cabins on the beaches of Alicante this Thursday. The complaint characterizes the move as an action in breach of the Election Law, arguing that the timing and setting amounted to a campaign activity staged under official oversight. (attribution: Election Board records)
Within the same timeline, the nomination of Manolo Copéck drew attention as he submitted documents to the district Election Board. The Popular Party faces scrutiny under Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General 50.2 and 50.3, alleging that the party used an official event opening to announce a campaign-oriented project, thereby violating the rules governing election period conduct. (attribution: Election Board records)
Regulations governing the electoral period require all institutions to honor the principle of impartiality. Plans or announcements that imply achievements or openings of works, utilities, or projects must not be presented as part of the campaign, regardless of whether those elements became operational during the period in question. (attribution: Election Law guidelines)
possible sanction
The coalition, comprising Esquerra Unida, Podemos, Esquerra Republica and Alianza Verde, maintains that the event was organized for campaign purposes and that its messaging circulated through official City Council channels—specifically statements from the mayor and the deputy mayor, Mari Carmen Sánchez. The coalition argues that this constitutes a breach of the Election Law and warrants sanctions for promoting an opening during the electoral campaign. (attribution: Coalition statement)
In the submitted document, the Election Board is asked to assess the possible violation of the cited articles. If confirmed, the body would act in accordance with the applicable legal provisions. The situation has prompted scrutiny of Mayor Barcala’s conduct and potential improprieties tied to campaign activity. (attribution: Election Board records)
Manolo Copéck, the United for Alicante mayoral candidate, contends that the Election Law prohibits the use of City Council areas for campaigning. He stresses that institutional spaces should not be leveraged to promote an individual candidacy and vows that his group will monitor compliance with the law in all aspects of campaign activity. (attribution: Copéck statement)
second complaint
The United for Alicante coalition has filed a second complaint against the PP candidate following a prior submission by PSPV regarding a free city bus program for the youth. The party argues that such initiatives may be used to drum up support during the campaign period and calls for careful review by the Election Board. (attribution: PSPV submission)
Barcala forced to withdraw free bus broadcast for youth for ignoring Electoral Law
In a separate development, Barcala was compelled to pull back an advertisement after the Election Board found issues with the mayor and the deputy mayor, who continue to oversee Transport, and the second councilor associated with the campaign’s messaging. The municipality’s website published a clarifying note about the suspension of the broadcast, which has drawn attention to the rules governing public communications during the electoral period. (attribution: Election Board directive)
Officials cited phrases used on the city’s site that suggested the government’s aid to families during the economic crisis. The board highlighted that such phrasing could be perceived as political messaging, prompting the decision to remove the promotional content. The statement underlined the need for careful alignment between official communications and electoral neutrality, and the case continues to be a focal point of debate among political actors and observers alike. (attribution: City Council communications)