The voter turnout in the Basque Country as of 1:00 p.m. on Sunday is at 28%, with the province of Gipuzkoa leading with 30% of voters casting their ballots, followed by Bizkaia with 27.4%, and Álava with 25.9%. In terms of cities, San Sebastián has the highest participation at 29.5%, followed by Bilbao at 25.7% and Vitoria at 25.3%. These figures cannot be compared with previous elections due to changes in data collection methodology, with real-time data being provided by a new application called HautesData. Past elections used estimated calculations. The first update was historically at 12:00, but this time data is being collected at 13:00. The second update on turnout will be at 18:00.
In the 2016 elections, the voter turnout at 12:00 was 15.4%, with overall voter participation in the Basque Country typically being high. The 2020 elections saw a 50% turnout, with past elections reaching as high as 79% in 2001. Historically, the PNV has been the most voted party in all elections. The current elections aim to elect the lehendakari for the XIII Legislature in the Basque Country, where the PNV governs in coalition with the PSE. The campaign has been relatively smooth, with the PNV and EH Bildu competing closely for nationalist dominance, while the PSE-EE aims to influence governance.
Several notable candidates have cast their votes, including Javier de Andrés from the PP, Pello Otxandiano from EH Bildu, Imanol Pradales from the PNV, and Eneko Andueza from PSE-EE. Younger candidates such as Alba García from Sumar have also participated, with special attention to the 75,634 young voters participating for the first time in regional elections. A total of 57,726 votes have been cast by mail, a 10% increase from 2016, with the pandemic influencing higher mail-in voting in 2020. Candidates like Amaia Martínez from Vox have expressed hope for a positive and patriotic voting outcome.
Polling stations will remain open until 20:00, with vote counting starting thereafter. Results are expected to be available at 21:00 online through the Basque Government’s election website, with final vote counts estimated to conclude around 22:30. Additionally, results from the 82,911 permanently overseas voters (CERA vote) will be tallied on Friday, April 26. The 1.8 million eligible voters in the Basque Country will shape the outcome of the elections, with a keen interest in determining the political landscape of the region for the next legislative term. Voters are encouraged to participate and have their voices heard.
Overall, the election day has proceeded smoothly in the Basque Country, with no significant incidents reported during the opening of the 729 polling stations. Security measures involving over 12,000 personnel, including electoral staff, Basque police, and technical teams, have been implemented to ensure a successful voting process. The calm weather and positive atmosphere have contributed to a peaceful voting environment, with political leaders and candidates emphasizing the importance of democratic participation and encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote.
