In the hands of the Filipino voter: Thoughts on the 2019 mid-term elections

As it has always been, elections here in the Philippines have been something akin to fiestas where the streets would be filled with the imposing faces of the politicians on colourful posters and tarpaulins. TV and radio stations would be submerged with political advertisements. Months before the May 2019 mid-term elections various social media platforms have already been filled with heated debates mostly regarding the senatoriables of the administration and the opposition.

The roaring sounds of trucks blasting the political jingles of running candidates have become the new alarm clock for many. Despite the brought about excitement of elections here in the country, the people still have a limited understanding of what it truly represents—a make or break chance of strengthening the foundations that hold the country together.

Politicians aren’t the only ones who were bustling for the elections. The AFP and PNP are the security forces that ensured the prevention of the occurrence of violence of any kind. The teachers on the other hand, are the ones who served as precinct election inspectors who guaranteed an honest and sure tallying of votes.

The effectiveness of our elections does not depend on a single politician or party list but on whether the general public adheres with the rules and laws set to secure the coming polls. The elections should not be treated as just a cyclic event where politicians are replaced by newly-elected ones but instead, as a chance for the normal citizen to exercise not only their right but the power to choose the ones who we hand the reigns of greater responsibility for our country to.

A single pen and paper can determine the future of our motherland. The senatorial candidates endorsed by the administration may have prevailed but the truth remains—any country cannot succeed despite the efforts of any leader if the people would not unite towards progressive action. The future of this country will forever be in the hands of the Filipino voter.

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