Electoral reforms from people, leaders sought

If the Philippines is to end the politics of corruption and use of naked power, electoral reforms must start in earnest from all - the people, the leaders, and the politicians.

"It's time Filipinos got the governance they deserve," said Senator Loren Legarda, visibly impressed with the way the U.S presidential election - from campaign period up to election day -- was conducted.

According to Legarda, a positive step toward achieving our long-desired clean governance is through a clean and honest election, which can only be achieved by way of complete automation, just like what other countries such as America and India are doing.

"Drawn-out counting of votes is a sure recipe for failed elections. And yet through the years, some of our political leaders have thwarted every attempt to computerize the elections," Legarda lamented.

Legarda noted that the Indians, who rank as one of the world's leaders in the information technology (IT), have shown the way, using an efficient and inexpensive automation system that even the US concedes is superior to its own.

"And yet no one in our country is even taking a look at this system which can solve our election woes. Maybe they would like to show the impression that they never want the system to change or improve anymore because slow count is convenient for them," she said.

"We must finally overhaul the rotten political system that has only made our people miserable, and this we can start with the use appropriate technology to automate our elections," she batted.

For the past couple of years, there was so much to dislike about America, but after just one day - with the way they carried out a presidential election - there is so much to admire about America, she said.

"How can their elections be so inspiring, when ours has been so hopeless, even disgusting?" Legarda asked.

Legarda also pointed out that clean, honest and credible election does not end in the automation alone, saying electoral reforms must also be seen in the electorate itself and the politicians.

She said people need to stand up for what is good for them, and to demand concrete solutions to problems that ravage them.

"Our leaders on the other hand have to look beyond their interests and give the people their due," she said, adding that the future candidates should not insult the intelligence of the people during the campaigns.

"Campaigns should be what they are supposed to be - a chance to let people know what they stand for and how they intend to help the taong bayan. With specific, concrete plans of action and not merely slogans and catch phrases," she stressed.

Legarda also frowned at candidates who believe that the only way to assure victory is to monkey with the results which happen in the long and slow count.

"These trapos completely ignore the fact that the best way to win elections is to genuinely work for the welfare of the people," she said.

For these politicians, she said, are those who are willing make fortunes from irregular deals and tainted projects, the proceeds of which would be used to win votes.