Benfica supporters on the remote Portuguese island of São Miguel are braving adverse weather and long journeys to cast their votes in club elections, emphasizing their participation as a vital sign of the team’s enduring strength and a push for future direction. Fans see a strong turnout as crucial to demonstrating the club’s “vitality” during this pivotal moment.
The single polling station on the largest Azorean island, located in a central Ponta Delgada hotel, has reported a steady stream of voters. Officials described the turnout as “good,” with individuals continuously arriving to vote even without long queues.
This election for the club’s social bodies features the highest number of candidates in Benfica’s history. Strong winds and intense rain sweeping across the island have not deterred members from exercising their right to vote.
Paulo Melo, a member for more than 25 years, underscored the importance of participation. “I always vote. It’s an important moment,” Melo told Lusa news agency. “In this election, it’s important to give a sign of the club’s vitality. The more people who vote, the better.”
Melo added that an expressive vote helps to legitimize the eventual winner. He also noted the need for changes, stating the football team “has some flaws” and that “we need to think about the future and not just the immediate.”
Ruben Andrade, a member for 15 years, echoed the sentiment, joking that “bad weather doesn’t stop me from coming to vote.” He described the election as a “historic moment” for the club.
“Today is very important for everyone to give their contribution,” Andrade said. “Staying home solves nothing, whether for continuity or change. We have to give our contribution.”
João Castro believes all moments are important for Benfica’s history. He noted that regardless of the election results, all supporters ultimately want the club to win.
“I always vote. I think we should participate in the life of our club,” Castro stated. “I think this election will reach very high numbers. This is very important for the club, although everyone’s objective is the same: to win.”
With São Miguel hosting the only polling section on the island (another exists on Terceira island), Benfica fans from across the region are making the trip. André Melo traveled from Rabo de Peixe, a town in the Ribeira Grande municipality, to cast his vote for the first time.
“This is the first time I vote,” Melo said, a member for three years. “I believe this is the time to give a sign of change.”
Melo praised the turnout, calling it a testament to Benfica’s “greatness.” He suggested the club “could set a world record in terms of voting.”
“That’s fantastic. It’s a great turnout. It’s vitality. People want to give a sign of the importance of leaving home to express their opinion,” he added.
Candidates vying for leadership of Benfica’s social bodies include Martim Mayer (List B), João Diogo Manteigas (C), Cristóvão Carvalho (D), Luís Filipe Vieira (E), João Noronha Lopes (F), and the current president, Rui Costa (G). João Ferreira Leite (List A) is a candidate for the General Assembly Board.
Should no candidate secure more than 50% of the votes, a run-off election between the top two contenders is scheduled to take place two weeks later, on November 8.