Commentary: Moving forward from election hang-over
In every election, moving forward is the easiest part for winners and hardest part for losers. Victory and defeat come hand in hand in every democracy. Elections will always spark varied and competing opinions often creating debates and contestations. This is normal in a democracy.
The living spirit of our democracy
There is much room for improvement in our election process. Comelec must also be able to explain, extensively and openly, the delays that occurred during the unofficial tally. The public’s anticipation of the fast posting of election results was disrupted by technical issues. This unfortunate glitch has stirred valid concerns on the capacity of the mandated electoral body of the country.
Democracy Watch calls for transparent polls on Elections Day
Democracy Watch Philippines calls for clean, credible and transparent elections as technology vendor Smartmatic Philippines Inc. transferred the administration of the Automated Election System (AES) to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Group calls for transparency
Transparency is a key principle in ensuring credible elections. It helps establish trust and confidence in the process, as voters have an opportunity to guarantee that the results reflect the true will of the people.
Elections and democracy
The conduct of electoral contests has been a defining element of a democratic life. As a litmus test for democracy, elections bring into the fore the power of the ballot and the sanctity of the vote.
Do your part for clean, credible elections
Vote buying is the most damaging crime that perpetuates corruption throughout the government system with the poor population as its biggest victim.
Lifting term limits won’t end political dynasties
Nevertheless, dynastic governance is a stumbling block to development. It continues to constrict social, political and economic spaces, and deprives others of their right to political participation.
Eligibility for candidacy: Education, experience, or both?
Candidates must be able to “walk the talk.” From their background alone, one can identify the advocacy and platform to which these candidates remain committed and may also contribute in legislation.
Thinking Beyond Politics
By Claudette Guevara We have a deeply rooted, overwhelming governance problem. What surveys show as the citizen’s waxing and waning support for the national leadership has a continuously dark undertone — the people have a generalized distrust of government. This is unsurprising as most of those in power are not merely ineffective, they are dysfunctional. […]
Commentary: How citizens can participate in 2019 elections
Claudette Guevara, Secretary General of Democracy Watch Philippines, writes on the Philippine Star:
“Elections serve as a prime opportunity to correct the mistakes of past governments. Corrupt practices usually begin at elections as the desperation to win takes hold of the candidates. Therefore, to cut it at its roots, people need to select the right officials and demand for better practices.”