This is the second time the election process has been opened up to associations and the general public, who have been able to give their support for one of the eight figures presented as candidates by different organisations in the city. While a specific platform was set up for the process in 2016, on this occasion it was conducted entirely using the municipal participation platform Decidim Barcelona, which uses a verification integrated to the municipal register of residents, allowing anybody officially residing in the city and over the age of 16 to take part. Five face-to-face points were also set up around the city for people without IT knowledge or resources.

The fact that citizens can take part in the election process helps bring the ombudsperson closer to the general public. It also helps condition the debate and the negotiation between municipal political groups, who have the final say in choosing one of the candidates.

In all, 3,034 people and 189 organisations took part. All participating entities were on the official list of municipal organisations. Support for candidates was as follows:

• • David Bondia: backing from 1,414 citizens and 57 organisations
  • Ramon Nicolau: backing from 410 citizens and 73 organisations
  • Jordi Giró: backing from 288 citizens and 23 organisations
  • Zaida Muxí: backing from 270 citizens and 10 organisations
  • Isabel Alonso: backing from 215 citizens and 6 organisations
  • Ricard de la Rosa: backing from 186 citizens and 9 organisations
  • Rosa Cañadell: backing from 167 citizens and 3 organisations
  • Rafel López: backing from 84 citizens and 8 organisations