THE election process is more complex than just casting votes and counting ballots, as it is a right and a privilege — one of the perks of a democracy.
In light of the US election, and the coming Philippine election next year, access to information on elections (from registration, to voting processes, to deciding who won) is crucial to engage and educate current and future voters.
For pioneering electoral reforms in the Philippines, Former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Christian Monsod, received this year’s coveted Joe C. Baxter Award.
The award, given by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), is presented annually to professionals, whose works epitomize the mission of IFES — to promote citizen participation, transparency, and accountability in political life and civil society.
Monsod, who founded the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) and one of the leading figures of the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), was recognized for his remarkable contributions to electoral democracy in the country.
“We look forward to a continuing association with IFES in the ongoing reforms to further strengthen and broaden the choices of the voters by addressing such problems as dysfunctional political parties, the improper use of money including government resources, and of warlordism and political dynasties in a number of constituencies,” Monsod said upon the announcement of this year’s Joe C. Baxter Award recipient.
The award was presented on November 5, at a reception in Washington, hosted by IFES. The events was attended by over 300 elections officials, parliamentarians and diplomats, including Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., COMELEC Commissioner Grace Padaca, former Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Solita Monsod and other officials of the Philippine Embassy.
In conjunction with the US elections, participants from over 50 countries were invited to observe and learn about the American electoral system, as well as discuss elections and voting from comparative international perspectives.
Celebrating its 25th year anniversary this year, IFES chose to honor Monsod for his lifetime achievements in the field of election administration.
“Chairman Monsod has been a pivotal figure in the development of Philippine democracy and, throughout his career, has worked to build transparent election systems in the Philippines and to ensure that all segments of Philippine society – including traditionally marginalized populations – fully participate in the electoral process,” IFES President and Chief Executive Officer William Sweeney said in a statement.
Advocating democracy in the world, IFES has worked in over 135 countries promoting good governance and voter’s rights to improve the electoral process. In the Philippines, IFES continues to work with COMELEC and other election management bodies to ensure that Filipinos exercise their right to vote.
Even with Monsod’s significant contributions in electoral reforms, there is no hiding the fact that most Filipino voters generally give unenthusiastic assessments on the socio-political situation in the country.
Economic and governance concerns continue to dominate voters’ demands that politicians have to meet. The country’s electoral process is no cakewalk either. Every election season, challenges in vote tallying and reports of fraud, violence and malpractice continue to summon for more effective reforms.
To maintain the integrity of election, political and electoral reforms should be addressed in earnest. Pushing through these reforms would play a major part in restoring our faith in democracy.
These reforms are not a one-time effort, but a continuous process. The success of such reforms would only depend on the adherence of the election’s participants-the candidates and electorates.
(AJPress)