Spain: Police close polling stations in Catalonia Sep. 26 /update 1

Event

On Tuesday, September 26, police forces sealed off buildings expected to be used as polling stations on the day of the Catalan independence referendum on Sunday, October 1, amid escalating tensions between the regional and central governments. Police forces have also been ordered to guard the polling stations until the day of the referendum. Tens of thousands of Catalans are expected to resist police in order to cast their vote Sunday, raising concerns over possible outbreaks of violence.

Furthermore, on Monday, September 25, Spain’s attorney general threatened current President of Catalonia, Carles Puigdemont, with arrest, claiming he could be charged with civil disobedience, misuse of public funds, and abuse of office.

A number of pro-independence groups will hold a final rally in Barcelona on Saturday, September 30, before the planned referendum on Catalan independence on October 1. Tens of thousands of supporters are expected to gather at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc at 20:00 (local time). Another major demonstration in the Basque city of Bilbao is also set to take place on Saturday in solidarity with the Catalan people. As a result, localized traffic disruptions and increased security measures around the rallies, in both Barcelona and Bilbao, are to be expected.

Context

Occupying the polling stations is the latest in a series of measures enforced by the central government to disrupt the logistics of the referendum. Security forces have also raided Catalan ministries and regional printing companies, seizing 10 million electoral ballots and equipment. Madrid has placed the regional police under central control and deployed two-thirds of its riot police into Catalonia.

After the Constitutional Court deemed the vote illegal, Madrid attempted to stop the referendum process through judicial procedures. Notably, it has launched a criminal probe against over 700 Catalan mayors for pledging to allow the vote in their respective municipalities, and arrested at least 14 government officials.

Meanwhile, Puigdemont insists that the referendum will go ahead, expecting around 80 percent of voter turnout. According to Catalan officials, independence would be declared within 48 hours of a Yes vote.

Advice

Individuals in Spain, and more specifically in Catalonia, are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.