THOUGH with just a few days remaining before the May 13 midterm polls, it is never too late to remind candidates to make peace in Mindanao and the whole country an utmost priority, and pursue a substantive peace platform.
This election is crucial as this political exercise will shape the future of our nation. We challenge all candidates to bare their plans on the continuing conflict in the country including addressing the woes of displaced indigenous communities as well as residents in the still ravaged Marawi, and how they plan to tackle them. Will this be included on their list of priority agenda? We haven’t heard enough.
We are looking for a solid and sincere commitment of candidates to peace and not the hollow rhetoric and vague promises which are usually abundant during a campaign period.
Voters should support candidates who are willing to become dedicated defenders and champions of justice and peace. This election is an opportunity to reassert a kind of peace that is founded on a progressive realization of respect to human rights, dignity and assertions of self-determination of our people.
We need leaders who, at the very least, can foster dialogue. This is an essential element and first step towards healing the wounds in the minds and hearts of victims of armed conflict, especially in Mindanao. If we are to comprehensively address the roots of the decades-old conflict in our country, our chosen leaders and us the public must have the collective desire to attain peace.
