The election campaign in the Basque Country began on Friday, with Imanol Pradales, candidate for lehendakari of the PNV, acknowledging that the first week was lost due to Easter, the excitement over Athletic’s victory, and the passing of lehendakari Ardanza. The polls have not been favorable for the PNV, with EH Bildu leading in percentage of votes according to the latest CIS poll. However, the PNV is focusing on the undecided voters, who make up 30% of the electorate, believing they can sway them in their favor and potentially change the outcome indicated by the polls.
In a conversation with EL PAÍS, Pradales discusses the analysis of previous elections, indicating that many PNV supporters had abstained from voting. On the other hand, EH Bildu has a strong and loyal voter base, with a growing number of disenchanted Podemos and Sumar supporters turning to them. It is clear that the key challenge for the PNV is to activate voter turnout and mobilize support. Despite a slow start to the campaign, Pradales remains hopeful that the upcoming weeks will bring a shift in dynamics and activate the Basque electorate.
EH Bildu is maintaining a low profile during the campaign, preparing for a potential shift in tone as the election approaches. Arnaldo Otegi, coordinator general of the coalition, emphasized the importance of inspiring hope and trust in their supporters, rather than relying on fear tactics. The campaign strategy for EH Bildu will likely focus on promoting a message of hope, confidence, and sovereignty, in contrast to the fear-based strategies used by other parties.
The issue of undecided voters and the potential impact of abstention on the election results remains a point of concern for both the PNV and EH Bildu. While traditionally, a significant portion of undecided voters tend to abstain from voting, in these elections, the outcome may be influenced by external factors such as fear-mongering tactics used by certain parties. The role of young voters also remains critical, with Joseba Díez Antxustegi highlighting the diversity of opinions among the youth and the importance of engaging them with future-focused policies.
The PNV, historically seen as a guarantor of stability, may face challenges in mobilizing their moderate and conservative voter base, especially in comparison to the active youth support enjoyed by EH Bildu. The upcoming weeks of the campaign will be crucial in determining the level of participation and overall voter turnout. The focus on issues such as investment, quality of life, and the future of the Basque Country will play a significant role in shaping the preferences of the electorate, particularly among young voters who are increasingly disconnected from traditional party affiliations.
