The last month around São Miguel has felt charged with a unique kind of excitement—the local elections! If you were here recently, you couldn’t miss the flurry of activity: election billboards popping up like colorful wildflowers in every small town, a sight quite unlike anywhere else.

This wasn’t the election for the Prime Minister, but a vital one that determines the leadership for each of Portugal’s 308 municipalities (like Ribeira Grande or Ponta Delgada) and their over 3,000 local parishes. These local votes are crucial, setting the direction for everything from community projects and local services to infrastructure improvements. Interestingly, nearly 30% of the incumbent mayors were reaching their term limits, making this a particularly interesting contest.

The Political Landscape

On São Miguel, the political scene is vibrant and diverse, even at the local level. The main players are:

• Socialist Party (PS): The largest party, generally considered centre-left. You saw their impact during the campaign with their visually appealing billboards showcasing cool public projects they hoped to launch if elected.
• Social Democratic Party (PSD): The next major force, typically positioned as centre-right.
• Chega (CH): The far-right party, which has been growing its presence nationwide.

The Heart of the Community: The Parish Council

The smallest administrative division in the Azores is the Parish Council (Freguesia). This is the true heart of local governance, dealing with daily community matters.

We were especially invested in the outcome for our local parish, Ribeirinha. The Presidente of the Freguesia, Marco Furtado (running for the PSD), has done a fantastic job, and the community was eager to see him re-elected.

Election Day Flair

The campaigning here is truly a spectacle! Forget quiet, somber politics—in the Azores, the election season is an energetic cultural event.

• Roving Rallies: The most unusual sight? Vans and trucks, decked out with party colors, driving through town with massive loudspeakers, blasting music and catchy party slogans.
• Vibrant Parades: Groups of enthusiastic supporters, waving party flags and handing out flyers, marched through the towns and local markets, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Another key difference from other countries is that Portuguese local elections are traditionally held on a Sunday, not a weekday, ensuring the maximum number of people can participate.

The Verdict

The enthusiasm was infectious, and the final results were a testament to the local support. Our local favourite, Marco Furtado, won by a massive landslide! Furthermore, his party helped to sweep the larger municipal elections across the region of Ribeira Grande. It’s a huge win for the community and promises continued progress and development for our area.