The power to vote

We have officials who lose the elections but win in the counting. Still going to the polls to elect our public officials is the highest expression of a government of, by and for the people. So, what began with around 50 million people registering to vote, should be fulfilled with people doing their duty to vote for the persons who will represent them in government. Theoretically.

We have very personal experience with mock elections. During a mock election between Marcos and Alejo Santos during Martial Law nearly half of the country refused to vote. It was, in effect, a protest since Marcos had decreed voting compulsory. We were the only one arrested and charged with failing to vote, with Marcos even ordering the conviction. The case was raffled to Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago, the defense team was comprised of the best and brightest. The compulsion to vote in a mock election comes from a dictator; the mandate to not vote in a mock election comes from God. The case was thrown out; it was the first legal victory by the opposition during Martial Law.

Benjamin Franklin once wrote: “In free government the rulers are the servants and the people their superiors and sovereigns.” The foundation of a functioning democracy and a working government is the electoral process. Make a mockery of that and you are making a mockery of the people upon who government depends. This was the case during Martial Law. The thoughts of Franklin were echoed by Thomas Jefferson: “It is the people, to whom all authority belongs.”

We look at EDSA I as having restored our democracy; it was a point in time when the people of the Philippines took back their sovereignty. Post-World War II the United States graciously granted us self-rule and democracy: something we had already claimed. The truth is democracy is in our blood. The Founding Fathers of the Philippines specifically chose to create a constitutional democracy when they finally overthrew the Spanish. It was as much a way to reflect the true will of the people as a statement to the rest of the world that it’s a modern nation-state. Functioning honest and transparent democratic elections still send that message to the rest of the world. In a way, elections are a peaceful form of revolution. What else is revolt, but the people changing a government? Voting and elections provide a peaceful mechanism to do just that.

There have been a number of international non-partisan reports concerning the lack of transparency in the setting up of automated elections. One such was by the National Democratic Institute: “While progress has been made in many areas concerns remain as to the efficacy of the election preparations…There is a growing concern that the process has not been sufficiently open and inclusive.” This was published on March 13, 2010.

Leading up to the May 10 elections, the Comelec has continued to ask for trust in their preparations in face of many issues; this has been cautiously given by all quarters. In theory, automated elections are a boon to the country. The timetable for the setup has always been known. The 1987 Constitution states: “…the regular election for President and Vice-President shall be held the second Monday of May.” This holds true as well for the Senate and the House. With a scant four days left, the Comelec and their private partners are now under the gun, so to speak.

The will of the people must be acknowledged and heard. A transparent and honest election is the best way to prove we are not a camote republic. The mandate to vote in a democratic election comes from God. We cannot stand up for our rights if we fall down miserably when it comes down to our duties. If we disenfranchise ourselves, we will only have ourselves to blame for anything that may go wrong in the future. Everyone must vote. And those votes must be counted.