Vote counting has concluded in Extremadura, including ballots cast by residents living outside Spain. Despite speculation and rumors about possible changes, the final distribution of seats in the regional Assembly remains unchanged. The Partido Popular (PP) holds onto 29 seatsβone more than last year, but still short of an outright majority. The Socialists (PSOE) secured 18 mandates, losing ten seats compared to the previous election. Vox has strengthened its presence, raising its number of deputies to 11, while Unidas por Extremadura is now represented by seven members of parliament.
Overseas votes were counted in two provincesβCΓ‘ceres and Badajoz. Of the 860,000 eligible voters, about 30,000 reside abroad. However, turnout among this group traditionally remains low. In Badajoz, out of nearly 13,000 registered voters, only 913 cast their ballots. The situation in CΓ‘ceres is similar: although the gap between the Socialists and PP was just 244 votes, this was not enough to shift the balance of power.
Voting results
In Badajoz, the Socialists received 312 votes, Partido Popular got 203, Vox picked up 176, and Unidas por Extremadura received 157. In CΓ‘ceres, the Socialists again led with 317 votes, followed by PP with 279, Vox with 170, and Unidas por Extremadura with 143 votes. Although theoretically these results could have affected the allocation of one mandate between PP and PSOE, in practice no change occurred. All parties maintained their positions, and the final picture remained the same.
Total voter turnout was 62.73%. With 99.89% of ballots counted, the Partido Popular received 43.18% of the vote (228,300 voters), the Socialists β 25.72% (136,017 votes), Vox β 16.9% (89,360 votes), and Unidas por Extremadura β 10.25% (54,189 votes). Other parties failed to pass the required threshold to gain seats in parliament.
Political shift
These elections marked a turning point for the region, long considered a stronghold of the left. For the first time in decades, the Socialists not only lost their leading position but also surrendered a significant share of their support. The gap between Partido Popular and PSOE has widened to 11 seats, with Vox coming within just seven seats of the Socialists. Over the past 42 years, the Socialists governed Extremadura for 36, but their standing has now notably weakened. The partyβs falling ratings were accompanied by the resignation of the regional leadership candidate, Miguel Γngel Gallardo, who announced his departure immediately after the results were released.
Right-wing parties this time took over 60% of the vote, a record for a region long seen as traditionally left. In 2023, the Socialists still held the status of the most popular force, but even then, the result was the worst in their history. In the current election, the gap only widened as Extremaduraβs electoral map was transformed beyond recognition.
Overseas votes
Votes cast by Extremadura residents living abroad failed to alter the final outcome. Although their number rose slightly compared to previous elections, voter turnout remained low. Representatives of the Partido Popular note they did not expect significant changes from this group of voters. According to them, overseas ballots rarely have a substantial impact on the overall result.
This time, despite all the talk and expectations, not a single mandate shifted from one party to another. The balance of power in the regional parliament remained unchanged, and Extremadura’s political map moved decisively to the right.
