Following the ratification of Trini Amorós as the mayoral candidate for Alicante, prospective PSOE candidates in Elche, Benidorm, Orihuela and other municipalities with a population of over 20,000 will have to wait until September or November for confirmation. The federal leadership of the party has established two distinct timetables for selection processes, regardless of whether a primary election is held. The key voting dates have been set for 26th September and 14th November.
In Elche, current municipal group spokesperson Héctor Díez is expected to emerge as the consensus candidate supported by the local branch. However, provincial and regional party leaders could still explore independent or progressive figures, similar to the initial consideration of former University of Alicante rector Manuel Palomar before party candidate Amorós was selected.
In Benidorm, the choice appears to lie between deputy Mario Villar and journalist Pere Rostoll. Both have expressed a willingness to contest primaries or negotiate an agreement, though no consensus has yet been reached. Both are waiting to see whether the regional branch (PSPV) opts for September or November primaries.
A similar situation exists in Orihuela, where aspirants Luis Quesada and Antonio Zapata are waiting to determine whether primaries will be held or an agreement reached, along with the specific month of resolution.
In other large towns across the province, candidates are largely set pending official ratification. Lorena Zamorano will succeed Toni Francés in Alcoy following his resignation. In Denia, Maria Josep Ripoll takes over from Vicent Grimalt, who stepped down under a coalition agreement with Compromís. Incumbent mayors will run again in Elda (Rubén Alfaro), Villena (Fulgencio Cerdán) and Petrer (Irene Navarro), whilst spokesperson Bárbara Soler will stand again in Torrevieja. Key decisions remain pending in mid-sized towns such as El Campello, Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Crevillent, Villajoyosa and Calpe.
Under party regulations, primaries are required in municipalities exceeding 20,000 inhabitants except where an incumbent PSOE mayor seeks re-election, unless more than 50 per cent of local members request a vote.
For the September schedule, candidate nominations open from 4th to 7th September, endorsement collection runs from 9th to 16th September, and voting takes place on 26th September. For November, nominations run from 23th to 26th October, endorsement gathering takes place from 28th October to 4th November, and voting occurs on 14th November.
