The elections that weren't elections
David Pontes argues that the so-called elections for the presidencies of the CCDRs are a façade: party leaders pick office-holders behind closed doors, depriving voters and local stakeholders of genuine choice. The editorial contends this practice undermines democratic legitimacy, concentrates power within party machines and weakens accountability in regional policy, and calls for transparent, competitive selection procedures and broader electoral reform.
New CCDRs go to the polls. Winners known in advance — except in the North
In the big January electoral festival, the main act is next Sunday’s first round of the presidential election, but on a secondary stage the line‑up includes those who, until Luís Montenegro’s arrival at São Bento, were read in the stars as the forerunners of regional “prime ministers”. The election for presidents of the Commissions for Coordination and Regional Development (CCDRs) ...
