Friendly Observer
By Arthur Keefe
Election Fever
Although many candidates
broke the rules with early starts to their campaign, the official start saw a
cascade of activity, including mass caravans by the two main groups, and a
welcome and visible presence of an independent. I am always impressed by the
enthusiasm shown by the public during elections here. Lots of raz mataz, lots
of colour, lots of posters etc. I am always equally disappointed by the
outcomes, as little changes, and the public return to their grumbling and
carping, even though it is they who have elected their representatives!
On reflection,it seems that my
first impression of a flourishing mass democracy is wrong. What we have in
effect is yet another excuse for a party, perhaps best described as an overlong
political fiesta. What is at stake is not democratic government, but the
opportunity to break the tedium of everyday life, to dance, to sing, to drink 1
peso coffee for a month, and at the end, to sell your vote for a handful of
coins.
Politicians here are often
rightly accused of corrupting democracy, but as I have previously argued about
corruption in everyday life, it is both the giver and receiver of the bribe who
warrant criticism.
Filipinos boast about their battle for
independence and the right to govern themselves. Many gave their lives in the
struggles with the Spanish and then the Japanese. This right is now often
traded for a few pesos. Never has it been more true that the people get the
government they deserve, whether Senate, Congress, or Local.
So much is well known. The
serious question, is how can this be changed so that democracy is meaningful,
even in feudal San Carlos?
Change could come from the top. A manifesto (or
set of pledges) could be given by all candidates as follows.
(1) All
citizens can exercise their vote freely and on their own judgment, with no
pressure or interference from their employer or landlord, no adverse
consequence will follow, and the vote will remain secret.
(2) No
financial or other incentive will be given to ‘buy’ votes.
(3) All
decisions of the council will be made impartially and without any regard to the
political allegiance of any individual.
(4) Nepotism
(granting of favors or rewards to family, friends, and supporters) will cease.
The children or relatives of councilors in particular, will only be appointed
to posts or the basis of merit following open application and observing
equality of opportunity for all.
Of course I have no real
expectation that these principles will be applied here. They are common
practices in all true democracies, and that is the point!
The alternative to politicians becoming democrats,
is for the voters to demand that these principles apply. It is in their hands
to refuse favors applied to secure their vote. It is hard for hacienda dwellers
to defy their boss, but if they agreed between themselves (rather like a Trade
Union), they could call the owner’s bluff. The hacienda needs them probably
more than they need the hacienda!
Democratic rights across have rarely been granted
by the rich and powerful, unless demanded and fought for by the poor and
powerless.
San Carlos likes to present
itself as a progressive award winning city, and in some cases, this is
deserved. How much stronger would the image be if it included clear and
democratic governance. It is not argued here that our local councilors are
lining their own pockets through financial corruption (although their 40,000
peso bonus is hard to justify). It is the political process which has been
corrupted and this is a harder nut to crack than a single ‘rotten apple’
Tackling systemic corruption such as we have, requires a mass response. The
elections now underway provide such an opportunity, but I am not holding my
breath.
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