The heart of any sports club beats strongest through its members. Yet, how those members cast their votes in critical elections can stir up quite a storm. Right now, a fierce debate about using electronic voting for the upcoming Benfica elections is splitting different groups vying for power. Just hours before a key meeting to hash things out, Martim Mayer stepped forward. He called for everyone to find common ground and show more flexibility. His message was aimed squarely at Noronha Lopes and João Diogo Manteigas, who have openly said no to the idea.
Mayer’s group, “Benfica in the Blood,” quickly released a statement to underline their firm belief. They want to make sure as many members as possible, from every corner of the globe, can vote on October 25th. Since day one, they’ve pushed for electronic voting as a choice for those living on islands and outside the country. The group is eagerly waiting to see what solution will be presented at tomorrow’s informal chat. This meeting brings together the different groups and the President of the General Assembly Table, José Pereira da Costa. They insist any solution must follow club rules and be completely trustworthy and secure. Mayer warns that rejecting such a plan would show a rigid mindset, an unwillingness to bend for the greater good. He suggests it would hide behind a thin disguise of traditional purity, all for election gains. The solution needs to get everyone’s agreement. It must allow the most members to take part safely, without any chance of cheating. But it also needs to be simple, not so complex it’s impossible to set up, or so full of paperwork it scares people away.
The push for electronic voting isn’t Mayer’s only concern. In the same statement, he made it clear that a fixed date for the voter lists is absolutely vital. He pointed out that setting a clear deadline for members to pay their dues is key. This would open the way for participation in the October 25th elections. It would also make the entire process more transparent and cut off any chance of rigged votes. Mayer also touched on debates. He highlighted that his group was the only one, about three weeks ago, to tell BTV that they were worried. They wanted to ensure all kinds of debates happened, giving each candidate a chance to share ideas and fully inform the club’s loyal members. He demanded these debates and communication spots be shown on a free channel. This way, not just those paying for BTV could get the news. It would make sure all members know each proposal. Only then can they make a responsible choice with their vote.