Various views about 2013 election results

Until now, many are still trying to understand, many are still trying to explain what happened during the 2013 elections in Cebu City.

Based on data shared by Teray Carabuena-Dizon taken from this website, 2013 election results.comelec.gov.ph, Mike Rama of the United Nationalist Alliance garnered 21,5425 votes (50.70%) while Tomas Osmeña of the Liberal Party got 209,497 (49.30%). 

 With 5,928 votes spelling the difference, Tommy Osmeña is now contesting the election results while Mike Rama is relishing his victory, no matter how slim.

How can the difference of 5,928 votes be explained?

One view questions the results and the process. Could errors or anomalies have taken place during the electoral process and canvassing? This is now an appeal in progress on the side of Tommy Osmeña.

Another view accepts the results and the process. Mike Rama has won, fair and square. The people have spoken, according to this view.

Who are these people who cast the crucial 5,928 votes? Where were these votes cast?

The youth vote has been credited to have made the difference in this year's May elections. Youth for change is the explanation for the election results, according to this view. Further data analysis of the votes cast throughout the city can confirm whether this is what actually happened.

Explanations have also pointed not only to the role of voters but to the candidates themselves: how they campaigned, how they projected themselves to the voters, what their policies were, etc.

The role of funds and party machinery has also been noted and discussed.

In time, a deeper study of the 2013 May election results for Cebu City will finally unravel a more comprehensive context involving the congruence of several factors such as profile of voters and candidates, their behavior, logistics, party machinery, computerization, canvassing, other Comelec-related aspects, and more.

Being a religious center, the religious factor has also been raised as having affected the election results. “Prayer answered” has been heard and exchanged through the internet. Prayers and masses have been part of the campaign and post-election assembly of candidates and winners. God has spoken and has made His will known, according to many.

Meanwhile, June 30 will see new elected officials taking their oath to serve our people, to serve God.

The slim margin of votes between Mike Rama and Tommy Osmeña is in itself already a message from the voters.

While it may turn out to be the crucial votes to retain Mike Rama as Cebu City Mayor, he may wish to ponder upon the import of such a slim margin cast for an incumbent. The same message for Tommy Osmeña- the slim margin should also allow him to reflect and take stock of the voice of the people. For both Mike and Tommy, the message is clear. While thousands cast their votes for them, both have to proceed to better serve the people of Cebu City, where God wants them to be at this time.

The message is also for everyone, that all will have to join hands together to make Cebu City a better place to live in and one blessed by God because it is truly witnessing for Him through better and genuine care for His people.

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