Election 2010 (4) - The aftermath

With 27 people dead and another 40 wounded in election-related violence between January 10 and May 10, election day, the first automated election in the Philippines is considered the "most peaceful" so far.

Although 67 casualties are still a high number, they seem to dwarf in comparison to the 310 casualties during the 2004 election. It's all a matter of perspective. In my perspective, the 57 people killed in Maguindanao last November 2009 should be included in the casualty count for the 2010 election. The clearly election-related massacre is not included because the election period started January 10, 2010 only.

75% of the 50 million eligible voters went to cast their votes. While the pre-election casualties dropped this year, vote buying was common as ever. According to newspaper articles, votes allegedly sold from 50 to 100 Pesos in Cebu and up to 1,000 Pesos in Leyte. What a business an election is!

Business and politics without corruption is what President-elect, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, promised as well as local jobs to offset the immense brain-drain the country is experiencing. 10% of the population is working abroad as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). Their remittance account for 10.8% of the Philippine's gross domestic product. This is quite a number to produce locally, with an unemployment rate of around 7%.

Now that the election is won it is time to deliver.

Election 2010 (3) - And the show goes on

Three more days before the polls open for the first automated election in the Philippines. The closer we get to election day, the more entertaining the newspaper articles get:

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Y. Larrazabal tries hard to restore confidence among voters that the elections will take place as scheduled on May 10, despite identified technical problems with the 'precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines'. In a Business World Online article he is quoted as saying: "There is no truth to that [rumors of postponing the elections]. While the [full commission] has discussed all possible actions, options and scenarios, we have not voted on any postponement."

The rumor was triggered by a text message...

Joseph Estrada, actor, former Philippine president, presidential candidate in the upcoming election and a "plunder convict whose political rights were restored by presidential pardon" voices his anger about the "Venezuelan-led consortium handling the Philippines’ first total automated elections" in an article published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer. In his opinion, "the ax should fall on the Comelec and Smartmatic because there was no evidence yet that Malacañang was behind the foul-ups in the automation process."

There is no evidence of Malacañang's involvement yet? What's that supposed to mean? Evidence will come later?

Senatorial candidate Ariel Querubin, who is currently detained for an alleged attempt to unseat the current president, voices his suggestion in case of failed or postponed election in the above mentioned Inquirer article: “If people think that taking to the streets is the best way to assert democracy, so be it,”

Let's see what happens next Monday. For sure, we'll all have another long weekend for election day is a public holiday...

Election 2010 (2) - Campaigning Pinoy Style!

Election Day is drawing close. Campaigning efforts, or rather name promotion efforts, are at a peak. Observing the pre-election activities in the Philippines I think I have identified the local audio-visual campaigning strategy: be loud and smile.

All you need to promote yourself is a pickup truck, huge speakers, an amplifier, some music (not even necessarily Filipino music, any mainstream star will do) and a poster with your face and name on it. Turn to volume to max and snail your car through the clogged streets of the neighborhood, preferably during rush hour for maximum visibility. I believe the strategy is that if the noise level reaches a numbing effect, people are most receptive. So far to the audible side of the promotion.

The visual side of the promotion equally convinces in simplicity. The posters of candidates decorating every inch of wall, lamppost, tricycle, Jeepney, private house or drive-way gate promote a big head, a name, a comic heart (I'm not kidding) and a 'vote me!' message. KISS - keep it short and simple.

Unfortunately, it seems to disclose little information about campaign goals and programs for the Filipinos to make an educated choice when casting their votes on May 10.

So far I haven't seen any tack lines such as: “We'll reduce unemployment and fight poverty!” Or: “We'll make the Philippines attractive for investors!” Or: “We'll focus on education!” Well, at least no one will be blamed for not having achieved his or her election promises that way...

The only conclusion promoted on one of the presidential candidate’s poster is, in rough translation from Tagalog, that “Without the corrupt, there won’t be poverty!” While corruption surely is not the only factor fostering poverty, it is honorable that the connection has been acknowledged.

Corruption seems to be a default setting in the Philippine power structure, from top to bottom. Untangling this web of loyalties, friendships and dependencies will be a tough call.

Election 2010 (1) - Vote not for Sale!

It is merely three weeks until the Philippine general election on May 10. The 2010 elections, which include presidential, legislative and local elections, will be the country's first computerized election.

The bidding process for the computer system was as dubious as is the aftermath of the November 23 massacre in Maguindanao last year, which was one of the worst displays of violence in the run-up for the elections.

In an attempt to prevent a rival politician from running for the post of provincial governor, his election convoy was attacked and 57 people killed by the ruling politician's private army. Staggering is not only the fact, that the attackers believed they could get away with a broad daylight slaughter. Downright depressing is the fact, that the call for justice is still unheard. The court case turns out to be a stage play. Another chapter is added in the Philippines' tradition of impunity.

At the end it's all about votes. Whoever cannot prevent a rival from running for a post will try to buy the people's votes. In areas where people live on less than a dollar a day shopping for votes is an easy task.

The more "sophisticated" campaigners try to denounce the opposition by text blasting so called "A1" information, such as the "psychiatric evaluation form" of one of the candidates, apparently proofing his "mental disorder" and the use of drugs.

No tool seems inappropriate to get into the seat of power.