What does this silence, this astonishing abdication, mean by so many Montreal voters? At the last count very early on November 8, we revealed a starving participation rate of 34.84%. Why do so many citizens feel so little concerned when important issues are involved, including, first and foremost, the quality of their living environment?
Admittedly, they readily agreed to respond to polls, to discuss openly with a candidate in the running where there was door-to-door, but it was not to a large extent. We have to face the facts that Montreal’s municipal democracy is in bad shape. A blues floats in the air of the metropolis.
The challenge now is to know all the causes. What and who to point the finger at? Because we cannot just blame jaded citizens who feel more or less well informed. What explains why we do not consider ourselves sufficiently involved in the future of such a large urban center to the point of denying its right to vote?
One thing is certain, Montrealers have passively or actively witnessed a campaign very focused on the personality poles apart of two main aspiring mayors, becoming an acrimonious generational conflict in the home stretch. To what extent does such a conflict revealing itself on the political level exist at the social level on our whole island, what fractures remain to be merged?
How is it then possible to applaud the re-election of Valérie Plante, to cry victory for Projet Montréal, especially when the distance of voters eclipses the face-to-face during four long voting days?
A major examination of conscience is required, and not only on both sides, but ideally jointly between elected officials and citizens. Valérie Plante and Projet Montréal are not the winners across the board, as they are not representatives of a vast majority of islanders who have exercised their right to vote. I voted on the first morning of the advance poll at an office where the running-in was already impeccable, despite the rain, my great disappointment with the parties’ communication strategies and the absence of the door-to-door. – brings candidates to my neighborhood, because the right to vote also grants me the right to express myself, after the ballot.