Electoral Corruption in Betancuria: A Legal Case Unfolds
Recently, the Court of Criminal Number Two in Puerto del Rosario delivered a significant ruling regarding electoral misconduct, involving Marcelino Cerdeña Ruiz, the former mayor of Betancuria, and a municipal legal advisor. The case stems from the May 2019 municipal elections, where both individuals were accused of violating regulations concerning mail-in voting.
The Charges and Verdict
The prosecution, based on evidence presented in a hearing held on October 1 and 2, highlighted a premeditated scheme between Cerdeña and the legal advisor to tilt the electoral balance in favor of Cerdeña’s political party, Unidos por Betancuria. As a result of their actions, the court imposed a fine on Cerdeña of six months, with a daily quota of twelve euros, while the legal advisor received a nine-month fine with the same daily amount. Both parties are required to cover the legal costs associated with the trial.
The Illegal Activities
The court’s findings revealed that the accused took deliberate steps to mismanage mail-in voting applications. In particular, they altered the delivery addresses for voting documents, listing the political party’s headquarters instead of the actual residences of the voters. Such actions not only violate the principles of fair democratic practices but also undermine the electoral rights of individual citizens.
The legal advisor was found to have played a critical role, personally filling out or significantly influencing several mail-in voting requests. The court deemed it proven that both Cerdeña and the advisor unlawfully appropriated electoral documents meant for various individuals, obstructing their ability to vote independently, as mandated by the General Electoral Regime Law (LOREG).
The Impact on Voters
The ramifications of their fraudulent actions affected at least eight voters who were denied the right to personally cast their votes. Among these individuals were those who neither accepted nor understood that their voting information had been manipulated. Instances also surfaced involving individuals with disabilities, like a woman diagnosed with dementia, who were improperly assisted without following the legal protocols for voting assistance.
One notable testimony came from a voter who was unaware of the registered address on their mail-in application, which had been filled out by the legal advisor. They expressed naivety in the process, believing that this political manipulation might lead to job opportunities for their family, a sentiment that speaks volumes about the exploitation of vulnerable populations in electoral processes.
Testimonies and Observations
During the proceedings, various testimonies illustrated the troubling nature of the allegations. One witness revealed their experience of going to the post office with the legal advisor, yet did not fill out any paperwork themselves. They merely signed documents, perhaps indicating the manipulative dynamics at play, combined with their trust in the advisor’s word.
Undoubtedly, the case gained attention partly due to the involvement of individuals who might not have been cognitively aware of the implications of their voting actions. The court found it challenging to comprehend how individuals could knowingly or willingly participate in such a voting process, given their health conditions at the time.
The Judicial Process Continues
The prosecution was led by Fiscal Tomás Fernández de Páiz, who initially sought a prison sentence for both accused parties—six months for Cerdeña and a year for the legal advisor. While the maximum penalty for this offense could reach a year of imprisonment, the court chose to apply monetary fines, reflecting a leniency that may stir public sentiment.
It’s important to note that this ruling, while significant, is not yet definitive. An appeal can be made to the Provincial Court of Las Palmas, indicating that this legal saga may not be over and that both Cerdeña and the legal advisor might contest the outcomes to clear their names.
In light of this case, many observers will be closely watching to see how the electoral laws are enforced and whether such instances of corruption can be effectively addressed to uphold the integrity of future elections in Betancuria and beyond.
