The much-anticipated 2022 elections has been topping the trends lists on social media. As election day comes closer, prospective candidates will finally express their intention to run and the contours of the race will get clearer than ever.
However, the ongoing global pandemic has created a massive impact on the upcoming elections especially to the existing and first-time voters who are yet to register. Although the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) tried to make the application process more convenient, it is limited only to those who have access to the internet.
Marcus Servas, a first time voter, stated that he encountered people who are “unaware of the online registration process” during his first voter registration.
“This shows that having the option to expedite the process is a privilege,” Servas furthered.
Moreover, the walk-in system for voters’ registration does not guarantee a hassle-free success. Many of those who opted to fall in line had to wait for several hours, just to make it to the cut-off or the maximum number of registrants per day.
According to the recent findings of Pulse Asia Research, 46% or nearly half of the registered Filipino voters would be unwilling to vote in 2022 elections if COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri stated that those who would prefer to give a pass on the upcoming elections could not be blamed because “they are just looking out for their safety.”
“Kung below 50% ang boto sa darating na eleksyon, magkakaroon ba ito ng kredibilidad at magiging katanggap-tanggap sa ating mga kababayan?” Senator Zubiri added.
To prevent this from happening, Senator Zubiri proposed a “Plan B” that constitutes the issuance of COMELEC resolutions on observance of COVID-19 protocols at the election site, approval of measures extending the elections by one day to avoid overcrowding, and speeding up of vaccinations to reach the 70-million target by the end of 2021.
Despite Pulse Asia’s findings, COMELEC stated that they are still confident of a “sizable voter turnout.” It is noted that there are already 60 million registered voters for the 2022 elections— only 2 million short of its target
However, the reimposition of stricter quarantine classifications across the country might further dampen the registration rate among eligible voters.
Voters’ registration for areas under MECQ and ECQ is prohibited. Along with this, the COMELEC also rejected the extension of voters’ registration despite numerous calls from lawmakers, youth-groups, and other sectors.
This decision contradicts the COMELEC’s own goal of encouraging voter turnout despite the COVID-19 threat.
It is no secret that the ruling classes control the machinery during elections. Voters, henceforth, are called to properly assert which political bet would help in providing assistance to them instead of those who would only be promising deceptive platforms.
For instance, President Duterte’s promise in the 2016 Elections to eradicate corruption and the use of illegal drugs within six months. However, more than five years into his administration, Duterte proves to be inutile and negligent towards the masses.
Instead of eradicating corruption and the market for illegal drugs, the Duterte administration created a mass grave for the victims of his murderous regime, alongside a pool of corrupted taxpayers’ money.
In these trying times, we should collectively amplify each other’s voices while exposing and opposing the atrocities of the Duterte regime. It is high time to put an end to his terrible reign, and this time, the Filipino people must emerge victorious.
Featured image courtesy of ABS-CBN News.
