Influencer Alexander Otaola appeared this Thursday to address his followers about how he feels after the election results and to clarify that "nothing is lost yet." In an extensive 50-minute video, he began by emphatically thanking his voters, donors, and those who believed it was possible for him to reach the Miami-Dade mayoralty.
"I am strong, with my head held high. An election is about winning or losing. Anything can happen in an election. What we are demanding at this moment is transparency. We want to see that we lost without any impediment," he said.
The popular presenter stated that it should not be complicated for a candidate to request a vote recount because that is what elections are for, and the main goal is to safeguard voter credibility in the electoral system, ensuring that people know their vote counts, that their vote decides.
"I am arguing that the exit poll does not reflect the final result at all," he said about his doubts and also mentioned some individuals who participated but whose votes did not appear registered with the Department of Elections.
Recount Request Still in Play
He denied, moreover, that the Department of Elections had dismissed a recount. He says the official request has not been sent yet and that there is a ten-day window to do so. He explained that what was done on election day was to send an email to the Department, whose response was the one leaked to the press.
The Miami Herald cited the response from Vanessa Innocent, assistant to the deputy supervisor of elections, to the influencer's campaign in a message stating that "Recounts are not conducted by request."
"It is true that the law states that to request a recount, there must be less than a one percent difference in the results, but the law also has exceptions, and based on those exceptions, we are trying to introduce a petition for a recount. Everything remains to be seen," said the influencer.
Otaola says he will be willing to acknowledge his defeat once all resources have been exhausted. He also emphasized that, even if the result does not make him mayor, there is no defeat because a statistic has been achieved.
"Elections are won or lost, and in this case, we have not lost anything; instead, a statistic has been established that 33,000 people have bet on change, people who are now in opposition," he pointed out.
In his extensive presentation, Otaola did not fail to mention the artists who have mocked him in recent hours, stating that none of them have 33,000 supporters advocating for their platform, their thinking, or their line of action.
"You are working for me. You are functioning to keep a claim alive," he said referring to whom he called "maestro Valdés" (Alexis Valdés) and those who have laughed at his expense.
"I will congratulate the winner of the mayoralty when we have the results. There is no rush, no problems. Everything is within the realm of possibility and within the legal framework. Before closing the elections, we must ensure everything is right," he reiterated, stressing several times that "nothing is lost, nothing to regret, nothing to feel defeated about or hang our heads."
Shortly before concluding his broadcast—signing off as he is going on vacation until September 2—he said that above all, he has the right to, by applying the law, demand that the law be followed. "We are beginning to become a political force. This is not losing. This is starting a new path, let it be clear to those who love me and those who don't. This begins now. We will make our voices heard and the discontent that people showed with their vote," he concluded.
Alexander Otaola, known for his anti-communist stance and his support for former President Donald Trump, finished in a distant third place in Tuesday's elections, securing only 12% of the votes, far behind current mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who secured a second term with more than 58% of the ballots.
FAQs on Alexander Otaola's Election Results and Recount Request
In light of Alexander Otaola's recent statements regarding the election results and the potential for a vote recount, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more clarity on the situation.
Why is Alexander Otaola requesting a recount?
Otaola is requesting a recount to ensure transparency and safeguard voter credibility in the electoral system. He argues that the exit poll results do not match the final outcome.
What is the legal basis for a recount request?
According to the law, a recount can be requested if the difference in results is less than one percent. However, Otaola mentions that there are exceptions in the law that they are trying to use to introduce a recount petition.
Did the Department of Elections dismiss the recount request?
Otaola denies that the Department of Elections dismissed the recount request, stating that the official request has not yet been sent and there is still a ten-day window to do so.
What are Alexander Otaola's next steps?
Otaola plans to exhaust all resources to ensure the law is followed. He intends to continue advocating for transparency and making the voices of his supporters heard, regardless of the final election outcome.