Faced with the Spanish elections, Andoni Gabantxo denounces his situation and that of many fishermen in the Mastodon social network: “I embarked when there was no electoral list yet, so I could not ask for the vote by post. And I cannot ask for a vote in a consular post or an embassy, because we are still at sea.” Antonio will continue on the high seas on election day. “I appear as abstentionist, as has happened many times before, and no, I am not. We mariners are secondary citizens.”

Mayor at stake

When it comes to general elections, Antonio knows that it can be considered almost anecdotal, “but it is not as anecdotal in municipal elections, especially in villages like Bermeo, because we are very boat and cannot vote, considering that the difference of 200 votes here gives or takes away an alkaldia”.

Telematic voting

Through the amendment introduced by the Galician party BNG to the Sustainable Fisheries Act being drafted in the Spanish State, it has been requested that men and women at sea be able to vote electronically in the elections. BNG explained in the journal Mar that it responds to a “historic demand” and stated that its implementation is easy, as most boats currently have internet connection and the captain of the boat can guarantee it.