Contentious Mayoral Race Heats Up in Puerto Aventuras

The Upcoming Mayoral Election in Puerto Aventuras a Hotbed of Political Controversy

Scheduled for December 15, 2024, the Puerto Aventuras mayoral election has drawn attention for allegations of corruption, claims of alliances with powerful developers, and long-standing grievances from residents. With a population of approximately 22,000 people, Puerto Aventuras is at a critical crossroads as voters prepare to decide its leadership.

Three candidates are vying for the position: incumbent Mayor Gilberto Gómez, Graciela Isabel Moreno, and Damaris del Carmen Ortega, representing the Dorado, Blanco, and Cafe Oscura slates, respectively. Each candidate has made promises to address the community’s pressing concerns, but the campaign has been overshadowed by accusations of misconduct and deep divisions within the town.

Allegations of Corruption and Developer Influence

Mayor Gilberto Gómez, seeking reelection, has come under fire for his alleged alliance with influential developer Román Rivera Torres. Residents and opposition candidates claim that Gómez has prioritized the interests of wealthy developers and marina residents over the broader community. Critics argue that his close relationship with Rivera Torres has allowed unchecked development while neglecting critical issues like infrastructure, public safety, and equitable access to natural resources.

One of the most contentious issues in Puerto Aventuras is the lack of public beach access. Despite Mexican law mandating that all beaches be accessible to the public, the community has struggled with restricted access due to private developments. Many residents are forced to travel to neighboring towns like Playa del Carmen, Akumal, or Chemuyil to enjoy the coast. Opposition candidates have accused Gómez of failing to address this issue, citing his alliance with Rivera Torres as a key reason for the lack of action.

Claims of Unfair Campaign Practices and Voter Intimidation

Damaris del Carmen Ortega, candidate of the Dark Brown slate, has accused Gómez of engaging in unfair campaign tactics, including vote-buying and voter intimidation. Ortega claims that Gómez continues to wield his mayoral authority to influence the election outcome, leveraging resources and municipal power to solidify his position. These accusations have been echoed by Graciela Isabel Moreno, who has also criticized Gómez for prioritizing powerful stakeholders over ordinary residents.

Municipal Interference Sparks Outrage

Further fueling tensions is the alleged involvement of Solidaridad’s municipal government in the election. Members of the opposition have called on Mayor Estefanía Mercado to refrain from interfering, claiming that her administration has shown favoritism toward Gómez’s campaign. Such involvement, they argue, undermines the democratic process and threatens the stability of Puerto Aventuras.

Residents Demand Change

The grievances voiced by Puerto Aventuras residents extend beyond politics. Many community members have expressed frustration over deteriorating infrastructure, lack of public works projects, dangerous electrical transformers, and poorly maintained parks. While Gómez’s campaign has promised improvements, his critics argue that his past term has prioritized the elite residents of the marina district, leaving the rest of the community feeling neglected.

The Stakes Are High

With voter turnout expected to reach between 2,000 and 3,000 residents, the December 15 election will be pivotal for the future of Puerto Aventuras. Both Moreno and Ortega have called for massive voter participation to ensure a fair and transparent election, urging citizens to reject what they see as imposed leadership from the current power structure.

As Puerto Aventuras approaches this critical juncture, the community is deeply divided. Whether the election results will bring meaningful change or further entrench the existing power dynamics remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the outcome will shape the trajectory of this coastal community for years to come.