The lights must stay on

THE UPCOMING barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections embody the vibrancy and essence of democracy. Every election, be it national or local, is an opportunity for citizens to decide their own fate, to voice their choices, and to sculpt the narrative of their community and country. That said, ensuring that elections proceed without interruption is paramount. This brings us to the issue of electricity – a fundamental and often overlooked component in the electoral process.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) giving assurance that all transmission lines will be “up and running” for the polls is certainly welcome news. While natural disruptions and unforeseen incidents are inevitable, swift troubleshooting and immediate restoration efforts, as promised by NGCP, are crucial. However, the greater concern is the possible implications of any prolonged power interruptions during the polling and counting processes.

Any interruption in power, especially during the vote counting process, can raise suspicions of tampering. Whether founded or unfounded, these suspicions can undermine trust in the electoral process and can cast a shadow over the results.

Power outages can lead to longer waiting times and disrupted voting processes, potentially deterring voters from casting their ballots. In a democracy, where every vote counts, this can skew the results and deny citizens their rightful voice.

And even if a power interruption doesn’t directly affect the electoral process, it can alter public perception. In an age of rapid information dissemination, any small glitch can be blown out of proportion, causing unrest and a loss of faith in the electoral system.

Given the stakes, there must be collaboration between the NGCP, Philippine National Police, Comelec, and other agencies. The foresight in coordinating, training, and setting up quick response teams can ensure that all potential threats to the integrity of the election are minimized.

As we approach the Oct. 30 polls, the importance of a seamless power supply cannot be overstated. Every brownout, every interruption, is not just a delay in counting. It is a potential dent in the armor of our democracy. Therefore, as voters and as citizens, while we appreciate the efforts of agencies like NGCP, we must also remain vigilant. The health of our democracy depends on the collective oversight of its people.

In the words of Comelec – Western Visayas director Atty. Dennis Ausan, “How I wish everything will be done smoothly and all within the confines of the rules and regulations we have set.” This sentiment echoes the hopes of many, as the power to uphold the integrity of our democracy quite literally lies in ensuring that the lights stay on.