AND Manfredonia’s electoral challenge has come to life. Four mayoral candidates are running, Ugo Galli (seven lists led by Fratelli d’Italia and Forza Italia), Domenico La Marca (seven centre-left lists led by the Democratic Party), Antonio Tasso (five lists, 4 civic lists plus M5S) e Vincenzo Di Staso (three lists).
A run-off between Galli and La Marca is almost certain, outsider Tasso who, on social media, has ruled out supporting the centre-left in the event of a second round, saying he is confident in the possibility of going there himself. Chances eliminated for Di Staso, supported by many protagonists of the disastrous municipal administration of Gianni Rotice fall in October 2023.
In reality, even Tasso, despite the superficial optimism, will hardly be able to achieve the results of 2021, partly due to the weakness of the civic lists, prepared with great difficulty, and partly due to the divisions between local five-star parties which only at the photo finish have decided to support him following the break with the Democratic Party. The list of 5 stars, in fact, has just 19 names.
The favorites therefore remain Galli and La Marca, both active in social issues but completely devoid of political experience. Will they stand up to pressure from their respective coalitions? Will they really be free to act without the influence of the “grand old men” of Siponto politics?
The race towards the municipal elections on 8 and 9 June began on a TV station in Turi, in a broadcast usually close to Rotice’s entourage. The four mayoral candidates are in the studio to report on electoral ideas and programmes. The number of spectators and views is very small. In short, certainly not the best way to make yourself known to the citizens.
The fear of strong abstentionism is always around the corner; Added to this is the clear demographic decline of Manfredonia in recent years. As happens with increasing frequency, the match could be decided by who sends as many friends and relatives as possible to vote.
In the meantime, the risk of the scrutineers’ commercialization has been averted. The selection will be made by drawing lots.
