San Antonio
We followed the political campaign closely in San Antonio mulling over the manifestoes and comments from those who wanted to take charge.
Last night we sat on the edge of our seats waiting for the results to be declared. With 3 dear friends in the running and a love for San Antonio it felt important to us.
Then the results came and sadly not one of our dear friends gained a seat. Click here for the results.
Messages were passed back and forth, mostly of commiseration, and now the wait has begun to see how the new council will be formed, who will team up with who etc.
After a night of sleep, and a little time to reflect, not only the result but the campaign as a whole, it has become clear it’s not all disappointment.
With the Peoples Party taking a bit of a battering due to national politics they did, however, get the highest number of seats albeit not enough to hold a majority. This means that no single party will be able to govern freely behind closed doors.
The new party Reinicia gained 3rd position and took 4 of the 21 seats available. A new age in the young person’s politics of the town dawns and it has given them a great start to their political careers.
In my endless reading of tweets and Facebook messages it has become clear something much bigger and much more important has come out of this. A sense of community as well as a sense of optimism for the future, not only for San Antonio but for day to day life on the island has come to the fore.
Whereas before the campaign started it always came across as a little bit of them and us (The Ibizan people vs British / foreign businesses and ex pats) this whole process has brought people together.
I mean when people who have lived within the town for many years state publicly how nice it was to meet and get to know their neighbours and are now swapping funnies on facebook it can only be a great thing.
Friendships that will last a lifetime, new businesses contacts forged and a greater understanding of each others positions; it all adds up to a greater and better community for all.
Yes San Antonio has its problems, some very unique, others the same as other towns around the world. But I believe that this election has broken down barriers and walls left, right and centre and even though it will take time and a lot of hard work from many the future of San Antonio is brighter than ever before.
Viva Sant Antoni
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