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Jenniffer González Colón, the gubernatorial candidate for the New Progressive Party (NPP), accused the minority parties on the island of attempting to create uncertainty regarding the electoral process by discussing allegations of fraud and disputes.
Following the closure of the polling stations at 5 p.m., González Colón addressed the issue raised by the NPP’s request to start counting early and mail-in ballots after the official hour, which contradicts the guidelines set by the State Elections Commission (SEC). She underscored the necessity of counting every vote and ensuring the results are ready by 10 p.m., the time for the first official announcement.
“In the past week, I have witnessed minority party officials discussing allegations of fraud, issues, and controversies within the electoral process, which clearly indicates to me that they want to cast doubt because they lack votes,” González Colón stated.
The resident commissioner further asserted that she is not intimidated by the people’s choice and is prepared to accept the election outcome.
“I am not daunted by the people’s decision, and I will respect the result that the majority of voters choose because governance cannot be dictated by tyranny or by small groups; it is the majority that governs,” she expressed.
González Colón urged for all votes to be counted, including those cast by citizens who voted early, absentee, or from home. She challenged the stance of certain parties that, as she claimed, decline to be present at the counting stations.
“Those who refuse to attend a counting table, who resist having the votes counted, must have some apprehension regarding the people’s decision,” she remarked.
When questioned about her readiness to accept a potential electoral loss, González Colón replied: “I have been competitive my entire life and have always been prepared to accept the people’s will.”
