October 28, 2024
Liguria underwater for the first election day. It is the unknown that will weigh on turnout. At 7pm, 30.19% of those entitled to vote had voted, a decrease compared to 2020 (32, 10), more marked in Savona and Imperia, the areas affected by the bad weather. However, it will be an important fact for the two main candidates, who in fact rushed to ask for voter participation right up to the last minute. Marco Bucci, the centre-right front man, says: «Voting is an expression of democracy and freedom, every vote can make a difference». Andrea Orlando, the challenger from the wide field (without Matteo Renzi), answers him: «Voting is a right, but also a duty to decide the present and future of Liguria». Ritual appeals, which however take on particular importance in the challenge being fought in the Region. According to analysts, a low turnout would favor the centre-left, a higher turnout the centre-right. The other determining variable is Genoa: how will the city of Lanterna vote?
Whoever wins in the capital is unlikely to be surpassed in the other three provinces. In its metropolitan area, 733,633 voters have the right to vote, in the province of Savona 244,411, followed by that of La Spezia, 187,281, with Imperia bringing up the rear, 182,411. The former dem minister comes from La Spezia, a city on the border with Tuscany, but his political career was Roman, while Marco Bucci has been mayor of Genoa since 2017. And above all he is the commissioner of the Morandi Bridge, a work built in very rapid times after the tragedy, considered both on the right and on the left a real model. Two opposite characters: the man from La Spezia is considered a cold person, a discreet floater in the rough waters of the Capitoline left, the mayor is a concrete man, an administrator who focuses on solutions, rather than on debates. The confrontation between the two was agitated, an electoral campaign fought with harsh tones, also due to how it began. That is, with the early (and forced) resignation of governor Giovanni Toti, after 80 days of house arrest.
And with the left in the streets to “celebrate” the trials, convinced that they have already won the elections. What completely changed the picture was Bucci’s decision to take the field. Since then the Democratic Party has become aware that the challenge was no longer so certain, and Elly Schlein arrived in Genoa for three weekends in a row to escort her candidate. In the centre-right, the national leader who was seen most frequently was Matteo Salvini, always accompanied by deputy minister Edoardo Rixi, who was a possible candidate of the centre-right until the end. Orlando, on the other hand, had to deal with the indecisions of Giuseppe Conte, who had initially put forward the candidacy of his senator Luca Pirondini. Then there was the hard punch from the M5S leader which led to the exclusion of Matteo Renzi from the wide field. Thus creating the final unknown. How will that 1-2% of voters who watch Italia Viva vote? Few votes but heavy. The answers will arrive this afternoon.
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Elena Rossi on the Liguria Election Day Amidst Adverse Weather Conditions**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rossi. The election day in Liguria has faced significant challenges due to the weather. Can you explain how these conditions might impact voter turnout?
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me. The weather has certainly played a crucial role today. With only 30.19% turnout reported by 7 PM, compared to 32.10% in 2020, it appears that the adverse conditions are discouraging voters, particularly in the more affected areas like Savona and Imperia. Analysts believe that lower turnout could favor the centre-left, while a higher turnout would likely benefit the centre-right. This creates an interesting dynamic as candidates scramble to encourage participation.
**Editor:** That’s insightful. Both candidates, Marco Bucci and Andrea Orlando, have made strong appeals for voter participation. How do you think their messages resonate in light of the weather challenges?
**Dr. Rossi:** Absolutely, both candidates are tapping into the importance of voting as a civic duty. Bucci emphasizes voting as an expression of democracy, while Orlando frames it as a responsibility to shape Liguria’s future. These messages are critical, especially today when turnout is a determining factor. However, their effectiveness might be muted by the very real challenges voters face to reach polling stations in severe weather.
**Editor:** Speaking of the candidates, could you shed some light on their backgrounds and how they might influence their campaigns?
**Dr. Rossi:** Certainly. Marco Bucci has been the mayor of Genoa since 2017 and is seen as a pragmatic administrator. His leadership during the Morandi Bridge reconstruction has bolstered his image as a concrete problem-solver. In contrast, Andrea Orlando, hailing from La Spezia, brings a background steeped in national politics but is seen as more reserved. The clash of their styles—Bucci’s hands-on, decisive approach versus Orlando’s more reflective demeanor—has shaped their campaigning strategies, especially under such turbulent circumstances.
**Editor:** Given the stakes of this election and the unique challenges posed, what do you predict for the outcome?
**Dr. Rossi:** It’s difficult to say, especially with the weather throwing a wrench into the typical electoral expectations. If turnout remains low, Orlando may have an edge, given that the centre-left historically tends to mobilize loyal voters in challenging situations. However, if conditions improve, or if there are hidden voter blocs who come out late, the results could swing in favor of Bucci. Genoa’s vote will be critical, as whoever wins there is likely to be dominant across the province.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Rossi. It’s certainly a pivotal moment for Liguria amidst these unprecedented circumstances.
**Dr. Rossi:** Thank you for having me; it will be fascinating to see how this plays out.
