Alexander Faria
Writer, lawyer and director of Estoril Praia

I believe that abstinence is the worst political opponent in any election, which becomes even more important in local elections, given the choice of proximity of its elected representatives and because these electoral acts represent the best model for developing and harmonizing the values ​​of citizenship. and participation.

It is also for these reasons of proximity and subsidiarity that local elections do not shy away from the evil that has been widespread in recent years, when alleged beliefs about false profiles are circulated on social media, a phenomenon that remains unregulated and punished with due severity like mild arrogance. behind a faceless keyboard, like legions of naughty mercenaries who insult with complete impunity. Most of the time, they boil down to a few easily spotted people maneuvering multiple profiles at the same time, so that they seem like a noisy crowd that gets paid royally for apps with no ideas or specific projects to present.

The true nature of democracy is undermined and ultimately leads to the desired active participation of citizens, who then choose the worst possible solution, the abstinence that everyone must fight.

If we add the belligerent and rude speeches of some candidates interested in riding the waves that breed ignorance, we are faced with an explosive formula that denies everything that has been achieved by freedom and the defense of democratic values.

Analyzing the official data of the last municipal elections in Cascais, we found that abstinence rates were 56.46% in 2017, 62% in 2013 and 56% in 2009, which means that more than half of the voters in this municipality decided to ban systematic participation. in the most significant electoral events for their area. This is a disturbing scenario that deserves attention, due reading and input from all candidates, and one that deserves to be revisited in favor of developing a sense of community. But, unfortunately, not everyone is worried, because some are also interested in the lack of participation.

It was very interesting and worthy of study to analyze the serious and exalted position throughout this campaign of the Todos por Cascais coalition with the support of PS, PAN and Livre. Focused solely on the future of the reasons that unite them and on the uncompromising defense of political participation from both voters in general and their immediate elect, he has managed to keep out of the most heinous and cowardly attacks from both the public and the public. the aforementioned social mercenaries, shrouded in the illusion of many, such as those who decide to deface or destroy posters on public streets because devastation has become their regular political practice.

Without reacting in the same way and only concerned with protecting their beliefs and projects for the future of their country, which is designed to unite, solidarity, environmental responsibility and integration between the coast and the hinterland, this All for Cascais coalition is to become a national benchmark for promoting democracy, an example for imitation in true democracy, which everyone welcomes. Because nowadays, abstinence is increasingly called the most dangerous political opponent, and precisely because of the reasons for winning the elections.