The polls opened this Sunday (23) in the Veneto, Campania and Puglia regions for the regional elections. Voters will be able to vote from 7 am to 23 pm today and from 7 am to 15 pm on Monday. Around 11,5 million Italians are eligible to choose the new regional presidents and members of their respective councils.
Early preliminary data shows a significant drop in voter turnout compared to the last regional election held in 2020.
Participation is falling in all three regions.
In Campania, according to information from the Ministry of the Interior's website, with 5.600 out of 5.825 polling stations counted, the voter turnout at noon was 8,24%. At the same time in 2020, the number was 11,31%.
In Puglia, data from the Eligendo system indicates that, with 3.870 polling stations counted out of a total of 4.032, 8,53% of voters had cast their ballots by midday. In 2020, the percentage was 12,05%.
In Veneto, voter turnout at noon was 10,1%, a decrease of 4,6 percentage points compared to the same time in the last regional elections.
End of an election cycle.
With these votes, a long electoral cycle that began in September comes to an end. Citizens from the regions of Marche, Valle d'Aosta, Calabria, and Tuscany had already gone to the polls in recent weeks.
Final results are expected to begin being released after voting closes on Monday at 15 p.m. The contest between the center-right and center-left will be evaluated not only by the number of regions won, but also by the total votes received by each bloc.
Internal disputes and political futures
In Veneto, the governor Luca Zaia He unsuccessfully attempted a third term. Barred by legislation and his own party, the League, Zaia is now running as a regional candidate and seeks to strengthen his national political influence, helping Matteo Salvini's party to surpass the Fratelli d'Italia.
In Campania, Vincenzo De Luca also had his attempt at a new term blocked. Although he is not in the race, the list "With your head held high", linked to him, is running in parallel with the Democratic Party. Her performance could propel De Luca into new political roles.
In the same region, the center-right is backing Edmondo Cirielli's candidacy against Roberto Fico of the Five Star Movement. The electoral climate heated up after parliamentarians from the Brothers of Italy broke their electoral silence to criticize Fico, which generated a reaction from the Five Star Movement.
Puglia and the new names
In Puglia, the succession of Michele Emiliano is stirring up the political scene. Former mayor of Bari, Antonio Decaro, appears to be the favorite. He is competing against Luigi Lobuono and has the support of various sectors of the Democratic Party. A strong showing could solidify Decaro as a new leader in the progressive camp.
Beyond the regional disputes, eyes are also on the parties' performance at the polls. The result could influence the formation of alliances and candidacies for the next national elections, scheduled for 2027.
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