Elections of hope in Puerto Rico

This first week of November, here in Puerto Rico, one can feel an atmosphere of both nervousness and profound hope for change. Next Tuesday, November 5th, general elections will be held, and everything indicates that it will be a historic process.

For decades, the prevailing parties, namely the Popular Democratic Party (PPD), advocating for the continuation of the colonial state, and the New Progressive Party (PNP), which seeks to transform Puerto Rico into the 51st state of the United States, have contributed to the most severe crisis in our history. Corrupt political entities have exploited the island for the benefit of foreign interests, misappropriating public funds and neglecting their duty to govern in the service of the people. Life in Puerto Rico has become increasingly challenging, characterized by a lack of public transportation, a substantial rise in the cost of living, and a decline in public services due to both privatization and inefficiency. Consequently, many have been compelled to migrate in search of better opportunities.

Currently, these established parties find themselves under pressure from the emergence of Alianza de País, a progressive coalition formed by the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) and Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana (MVC). This coalition is gaining support among disaffected members of both the PPD and the PNP, who are disillusioned by the actions of their parties. The figure of Juan Dalmau, representing the PIP for governor, is perceived as a trustworthy leader capable of addressing the failures of previous administrations.

There is a palpable sense of optimism throughout the island. Despite occasional characterizations of the Puerto Rican people as indifferent, it is essential to recognize that this is the same people who mobilized to remove the US Navy from Vieques after years of military bombing and environmental degradation. It was also these same people who massively went into the streets to oust the corrupt PNP governor, Ricky Roselló, during the Summer of 2019.

Now, the people are once again taking to the streets in support of the Alianza, participating in extensive caravans around the island and mobilizing to protect their vote on November 5th.

Regardless of the outcome in the governor’s race, the people have unequivocally expressed their rejection of corruption, and this time they will not stop after November 5th.

Reporting from Puerto Rico for Radio Clarín of Colombia, Berta Joubert-Ceci.