Democracy Continues
Democracy Watch supports the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as it continues preparations for the 2022 national polls. The Commission has ramped up its initiatives to engage citizens to register to vote in the upcoming elections. And with less than one hundred days before the registration period closes, the COMELEC has already surpassed its target of 4 million new voters. Democracy Watch is hopeful that more Filipinos will be added to the current 60 million tally in the months to come.
Democracy Watch also lauds the COMELEC’s use of technology to make the 2022 elections more participative and transparent. It has launched an interactive and imaginative website featuring Filipino heroes. These heroes, such as Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, outline the steps needed to register to vote. The Commission also released a mobile application for target areas to shorten the registration process for citizens. It is working to address potential threats of digital vote-buying as well.
It is commendable to see public servants get ready for the elections, even with the risks that COVID-19 still presents. They have a dedication to engaging citizens in the electoral process, all while remaining vigilant not just against the virus but also against possible fraud. We can be confident that democracy will go on, but we as citizens must do our part.
Democracy Watch calls on citizens to register to vote, exercise their right to suffrage, and stand together for a free, fair, and safe election this coming 2022.