When it comes to the heart of a football club, every vote counts. This is the firm belief of João Noronha Lopes, a candidate eyeing the presidency of Benfica. He recently spoke out against a plan to use electronic voting for members living far from the main stadium. Instead, Lopes insists that traditional, in-person voting is the only way forward, even for those supporters in the islands and outside the continental landmass.
Lopes expressed surprise at the General Assembly Board’s proposal. This group put forward rules that would make electronic voting the standard for the October 2025 elections. However, Lopes quickly pointed out a key detail. The club’s updated rulebook, which members approved, does not set electronic voting as the default method. In fact, electronic voting is only allowed if all candidates agree. Lopes confirmed that his campaign, along with another, has already said no to this idea many times.
The presidential hopeful did not mince words about his concerns. He believes the focus should be on practical steps. This means mapping out polling places and contacting Benfica fan clubs worldwide. It also means setting up voting areas and giving members clear information. Instead, he feels the current plan is like a never-ending story. It offers promises of online voting that have no real backing from the club’s rules or from the candidates.
Lopes and his team have already stepped up to help. They offered to identify and secure over 40 voting locations. These spots would be spread across the home territory and in other countries. The General Assembly Board itself had mentioned this need in a meeting with the candidates. Yet, Lopes notes, there’s still no clear information. Nobody knows how the board plans to ensure the most members can take part in the upcoming elections.
In Lopes’ view, the club’s energy should go elsewhere. He believes the goal should be to prepare the most inclusive elections in Benfica’s history. He pointed out that he himself got nearly 34 percent of the votes in 2020. That election, notably, included an electronic choice for voters. But now, he stresses a different path. This means setting up physical ballot boxes everywhere. This includes all regions and beyond its borders. This is what members expect. It is also what the club’s statutes demand. Lopes firmly stated that the General Assembly Board should already be working on these arrangements.
Lopes concluded with a clear message. Benfica needs elections that are fair, open, reliable, and easy to access for as many members as possible. His team promises to do everything they can. They want to ensure every member gets to cast their vote. This includes supporters from the southern coast to the northern interior, from the islands to cities like Geneva and Newark.