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Efraín ‘Franco’ Barreto Barreto, a business figure and community activist, triumphed in the mayoral election for Moca, Puerto Rico, marking the Popular Democratic Party (PPD)’s return to leadership in the city after a 36-year absence.
After completing the count of all votes from the 99 electoral units in Moca, Barreto Barreto achieved 45.58% of the overall votes, outpacing the sitting mayor Ángel ‘Beto’ Pérez by a margin of 1,237 votes, based on the most recent tally.
Expressing his appreciation to the electorate, Barreto Barreto remarked, “We are making history together! I am profoundly grateful to every voter for their confidence in me. Together with my Municipal Assembly and dedicated team, we commit to serving with openness and diligence to promote Moca’s advancement and success. This victory is for all!” Moca had been under New Progressive Party (PNP) governance for the last 36 years prior to this significant change.
The forthcoming mayor also disclosed that he will take the oath of office on Saturday, January 18, 2025. His schedule includes attending a Mass at 5:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Monserrate Parish, followed by formal celebrations in the town square, as well as a community event and a musical performance.
Barreto will assume his role along with the municipal legislators who ran with him on the ballot: Ana E. Pérez Barreto, Amirelis Barreto Barreto, Rubén Edwin Muñoz, Jeannette Ortiz Vives, Zoraida Hernández Pérez, Sujeily Barreto Barreto, Héctor M.’ Mol’ Ibañez, Zoraida Meléndez Acevedo, Luis Sánchez Martínez, Miguel Ángel Pérez and José Manuel González Méndez.