Summer election

ON Sunday July 23, over 750,000 people in the Region of Murcia headed to the polls to cast their votes in the general elections, surpassing the number of voters recorded in the previous regional and municipal elections held on May 28. The turnout in the middle of the summer was over 70 per cent, whereas it was around 65 per cent in May.

The Partido Popular (PP) emerged as the most favoured party on both occasions, with 306,160 votes in the general elections and 293,051 votes in the regional elections. Despite the scorching summer temperatures, voters were determined to exercise their right to vote. Polling stations saw a continuous flow of people seeking relief from the heat and fulfilling their civic duty. While many brought fans and found inventive ways to stay cool, the uncomfortable conditions primarily affected polling station staff and public workers.

Even the President of the Region, Fernando López Miras, witnessed the impact of the heat when he encountered an elderly woman suffering from heatstroke at his polling station in Lorca. Quick action was taken by officials to assist her.