PAGBABAGO

The flurry of activities in preparation for the forthcoming national and local elections may be a welcome distraction to many of us who have been focused on meeting the challenges of COVID-19.

In a week or two, we shall see a final listing of candidates, and expect to be deluged with campaign messages – some credible, some fake, from hundreds of trolls on social media. Thus, being prepared in sorting out these messages could be a challenge for many. A question in many people’s minds is “can we have a credible campaign during a pandemic?”

A much welcomed initiative by Partido Liberal and hopefully, the national political parties is that of amending their constitutions to reflect reforms such as a shift of leadership responsibilities from elite membership to representatives of grassroots organizations – farmers/fisherfolk, women (ensuring their equality and centrality in the other sectors), labor, youth, academe, indigenous groups, and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

This trend which started in the more progressive countries of Europe, is intended to check the further deterioration of democracy and the rise of populist, authoritarian leadership. Furthermore, surveys had shown a “growing distrust of traditional party systems which are seen as relics of the past. The increase in the number of radical parties – from the left and the right, is another challenge.” Because party membership is becoming less important than citizen engagement, this shift is deemed essential.

This 21st century parties blueprint, involves development of accountable, inclusive, multi-party systems that offers citizens an understanding of minimum standards for democratic participation, was prepared by the Denmark-based National Democratic Institute.

Because of the decline in trust in traditional political parties, emerging trends such as direct democracy through referendum and similar initiatives are seen as dependable democratic alternatives.

An election period – from registration, selection of candidates, campaigns, voting and other related activities, is often fraught with confusion and various difficulties because pandemic-related concerns, disinformation and fake news, and, still, in some areas, the three “G’s – guns, goons, and gold.” Strengthening political parties’ capacities to facilitate flow and processing of information, mediate conflict and assist Comelec, Namfrel, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting or PPCRV, and other citizen watch bodies is essential in ensuring a fair and credible election.

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