Bad Bunny is distinctly stating his position on the upcoming 2024 gubernatorial elections in Puerto Rico. The renowned Puerto Rican artist is expressing his concerns through new billboards placed around the island that target the long-established New Progressive Party (PNP).
While there have been suggestions for Bad Bunny to support a candidate in the U.S. presidential election, he is concentrating primarily on the situation in Puerto Rico. On November 5th, voters will choose the next governor of the island. He has previously shared his thoughts about the elections in his latest song, “Una Velita.”
In addition to shedding light on Puerto Rico’s ongoing infrastructure challenges—still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Maria seven years ago—he offered pointed criticism of the PNP and its iconic palm tree logo. “The palm tree on which they want to hang the country, one of these days we’re going to knock it down,” he asserted in his song.
In a tweet, Bad Bunny made it known that the billboards contain messages directly aimed at the PNP: “A message paid for by Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio… A Puerto Rican who loves Puerto Rico.” This detail about the sponsor had not been previously revealed.
The billboards convey several striking messages, including “To vote for PNP is to vote for corruption,” and “Anyone who votes for PNP doesn’t love Puerto Rico.” Another prominent statement declares, “To vote for PNP is a vote for LUMA,” alluding to Luma Energy, which has come under fire for frequent power outages in Puerto Rico. Despite widespread demands to cut ties with Luma, Governor Pedro Pierluisi, also affiliated with the PNP, renewed the company’s contract in 2022. Over the years, the PNP has faced allegations of electoral misconduct, highlighted by the resignation of the corrupt ex-governor Ricardo Rosselló in 2019 amid significant protests.
Shortly after the billboards appeared, the PNP filed a formal complaint with the Election Comptroller’s Office to have the messages taken down. In reply, Bad Bunny tweeted, “The PNP is using its power to silence me. What is happening with democracy?” He once again asserted his responsibility for the billboards without remorse.
Jenniffer González-Colón is the PNP candidate vying for the governorship, with Jesús Manuel Ortiz representing the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) as her challenger.
Image Source: John Arehart / Shutterstock