EDITORIAL – Politicians keep out

We’ve seen the ugly consequences of appointing a politician to the Commission on Elections. Critics had pointed out the risks in installing Benjamin Abalos as Comelec chairman. The critics wondered how Abalos, a former mayor of Mandaluyong and a member of the ruling  Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, could perform well in a job where being non-partisan should be a requirement.

Malacañang ignored the critics, and the nation got three of the biggest scandals involving the Comelec under Abalos’ watch: the P1.2-billion poll automation deal with Mega Pacific that was scrapped by the Supreme Court, the “Hello, Garci” vote rigging scandal during the 2004 presidential election, and the broadband deal with Chinese firm ZTE Corp. that forced Abalos to resign. The vote count in Maguindanao last May  remains under a cloud of doubt. Poll automation never took off, voters are still waiting for their ID cards, and the usual cheating and so-called three G’s — guns, goons and gold — prevailed in every electoral exercise.

The Comelec needs a major overhaul, and the right choices for positions in the poll body could pave the way for this. The post vacated by Abalos is not the only one that must be filled. A commissioner’s post remains vacant. Another commissioner, Florentino Tuason, is retiring in February next year together with acting Comelec Chairman Resur-reccion Borra. With the next general elections less than three years away, the four vacancies must be filled quickly.

 Seven names have been mentioned so far by Borra as possible replacements for Abalos. Two look like they were included as part of an effort to co-opt allies of deposed President Joseph Estrada. Borra said more names are sure to come up in the coming weeks. The choice is purely a presidential prerogative, but this administration is notorious for decision-making based purely on partisan  or selfish interest and needs constant reminders that it has the interest of an entire nation to consider.