A FEW YEARS ago a Social Weather Stations survey showed that most Filipinos usually voted according to their conscience. It must still be the case now. It is important that every voter should vote according to his or her conscience, guided only by considering the best interest of the country and the community.
In casting their ballots on Monday next week, May 13, voters must consider national and local issues.
They should vote for national candidates on the basis of the issues concerning national affairs, and when voting for local candidates, take into consideration the local issues. Voters should consider the background and performance of candidates in judging their qualifications for public office.
We hope that in the days leading to the midterm elections next week, there would be no election-related violent incidents. All mid-term election candidates and their supporters should observe sobriety in all their dealings in relation to the upcoming May polls.
We also urge the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, the National Movement for Free Elections and other non-government organizations to guard against fraud and violence. The country is in good hands when thousands of volunteers, made up of housewives, employees from the government and private sector, members of religious organizations and civic associations, farmers and workers get involved.
“Citizens’ power” is needed to ensure that the votes are correctly counted and reported. Ultimately, the fate of our country will be decided by Filipino voters, provided of course that the elections are reflective of their will.
