Sure, there are a million things that could've been and can be improved: the clustering of precincts in many areas could have been more spread out and thus more organized; faulty machinery could have been responded to more quickly in some places with a manual back-up plan, to avoid delays; perhaps people could've been better informed about how to go about voting using the new PCOS machines; and so many other things. But at the heart of it all is progress. What did we honestly expect with these automated elections anyway? Certainly not a faster voting process; the increase in speed was promised more in the way of counting the votes, not in making them. A faster voting process can only be achieved through well-organized operations, in any case. At this point, what the Philippines and its people have achieved is already amazing. There was good voter turnout, for one thing. More people than ever wanted to part of the democratic process. Also, volunteers for the Comelec and correspondents for the media were overflowing with enthusiasm; hats off to all those people who stayed awake for over 24 hours to man the PCOS machines, to guide voters as they exercised their right, to tally those votes through the night, and to provide the public with a play-by-play of the important events of the day.
More than anything, there was peace. Of course we send our condolences and prayers to the victims of the 37 violent incidents that broke out while the elections were ongoing. But the military admitted that this was the most peaceful elections the country has ever had; in the past, violent election-related incidents numbered in the hundreds (gmanews.tv). And even investors recognize the relatively smooth flow of the electoral process: investments have already increased since last week, when people were expecting the worst (ANC). We have to give our country and our fellowmen a hand. Congratulations, everyone.
Now... well, now we wait for the official announcement of results. :)
*image from lankamuslim.org
I think the pros definitely outweighed the cons here, but as with anything, there will always be room for improvement, lots of it. The government took a bold step in implementing the automated election system, I just wished that they made better preparations for it.
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the day, considering the voter turn out, the casualties, the processing time and everything else, it was a success. Good job Philippines. Now let's just hope and pray that these winners don't screw us over for following years to come. :)
Hey you! Visit abs-cbnnews.com not the rival network! Miss you! Wahahahaha.
ReplyDeleteVoting's almost over.
some machines won't start....haha!!!!
ReplyDeleteThough you were not personally able to participate in the electoral exercise, your efforts to register (although at the last minute) are evidence that you really intended to. This piece is further proof that you understood what you were getting into.
ReplyDeleteWell said, well researched, it is inspiring to us post-martial-law babies, that someone from your generation of post-EDSA born young adults can see things for what they are and appreciate where they came from. It is your youthful zeal, idealism, and enthusiasm that we need to get us where we need to go. Keep it up. =)
Such an insightful blog on Philippine politics. Cheers to you JeJeCa!
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