THE 2016 presidential election is finally winding down to a close. The campaign season has seen bitterness with inflammatory rhetoric that has, in some ways, stretched the fiber of Philippine society. That is not a good situation. As we have said before, the healing process of the nation from this political war will take a long time to complete.
Maybe, as some think, this is the most important political event and election in the long history of the country. Perhaps, though, in the bigger picture, it will turn out to be just another turnover of power from one administration to another. Only time will tell.
However, what is critically important is whether the Philippines, its government, its people and its institutions have progressed beyond the evils of a false democracy.
One person who embodies government evil—Joseph Stalin—said, “It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything.” This is where the greatest danger to the nation lies.
While this quotation of Stalin’s shows the potential of evil in government, what it shows more is the potential failure of the people to protect their democratic rights. We are also reminded of something that Irish political philosopher Edmund Burke wrote: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
It is up to each individual voter to protect and preserve the process. A clean and fair election rests only in your hands. It is your personal obligation to make sure that the will of the people is heard. You would not depend on the police to check that your doors and windows are locked when you are out of the house. Do not depend on only the authorities to protect your vote.
The Commission on Elections and media outlets, such as CNN Philippines, have made great efforts to educate voters as to the process and procedures, as well as voters’ rights, as the election takes place. Do not ignore this information, because you do so at your own risk. The future of the Philippines is at stake.
To those who are thinking about cheating the people of their vote, think again carefully. We believe that the people are ready for you this time, hopefully more prepared to do battle for their democracy than any time before. If the outcome of this election is tainted, we may see an uprising of popular discontent that will make past “People Power” seem minor in comparison. You have been warned.
Support the candidate who you believe will be the best for your future and the future of the nation. But support even more strongly the right of the will of the people to be followed.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano