Editor

Digitalizing suffrage

As a democratic country, securing the right of suffrage is vital to most Filipinos. In fact, during the May 2019 elections, a 75.9-percent voter turnout was logged by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Of the 61,843,771 registered voters and 1,822,173 Filipino voters overseas at that time, a total of 46,937,139 cast their ballot. Now that the country is preparing for the upcoming synchronized national and local elections on May 2022, the current health crisis (coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19) drives Comelec to innovate through the use of mobile applications and online platforms. Though many are still cynical about the success of the 2022 elections, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez continues to trust the institution and its existing systems as proven by the “generally successful” conduct of Palawan online plebiscite in March. 

How should the country adapt to the current situation to efficiently carry out the elections?

Just recently, a mobile registration application was launched Tuesday, June 15, in the city of Tagum, Davao del Norte. The app aims to streamline the registration process from the traditional pen and paper method to digital enlisting. So far, a total of over 100,000 individuals have downloaded the app just a day after its launch. Another good thing about the app apart from convenience and lessened exposure to COVID-19 is its offline feature. The Comelec said that the app remains to be usable offline and the user can still input the necessary information. An encrypted QR code will be generated, which shall be presented to the nearest local Comelec office for it to be scanned and the user’s biometrics be taken. However, the app is no longer available for online download to give priority to the 575 cities and municipalities identified as pilot areas by the Comelec.

Another element of suffrage which is as valuable as registration is voter’s education. Given the prevalent use of social media, concerned institutions such as Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) may maximize the influence and power of social media platforms in urging voters to make informed political decisions. This can be done by teaching voters on how to dissect political advertisements to determine if the messages and emotions conveyed are consistent with the track records of the candidates. Analyzing surveys can also be simplified through the use of online platforms to make sure that voters are not easily swayed by the numbers, but rather be educated about the implications of the survey results.

Above all, people’s participation must be secured. This doesn’t only mean the act of voting but also the conscious act of choosing the best candidate for the position. By actively campaigning for voter’s participation in social media platforms, it is possible that the votes will be diverse and well-represented.

In 2022, a new president, vice president, set of senators, and local officials will be chosen again to represent the collective aspirations of Filipinos. And if you desire for a better Philippines, register now, stay educated, and vote for the country’s future..