Lessons from the US elections
MANILA, Philippines - The importance of youth voting participation, the use of modern technology, debates between the candidates, and the increased role of media are seen as the major lessons the Philippines can take from the recently concluded presidential elections in the United States.
In a talk with reporters, Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento said that the youth, media and technology played a big role in the US elections and could change elections in the Philippines.
The commissioner observed the US elections as the representative of Comelec chairman Jose A. R. Melo in a program sponsored by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
Mr. Sarmiento suggests that televised debates between candidates be instituted for the 2010 national elections to bring the issues of the elections closer to the public.
These debates can be covered by major networks to entice candidates to participate. He noted however that the problems of budget and education would be difficult for the country to overcome but that the commission is already taking steps in overcoming the problems.
"The Comelec is already doing voter’s education and speeding up the resolution of cases that would help gain more trust from the public," he said.
Meanwhile, the Comelec has launched Bagongbotante, a project for new voters to learn about the electoral process in the Philippines.
A Web site, www.bagongbotante.com, and a library have been set up by the commission for access by students.
The Comelec is pushing through with its plans to automate the 2010 national elections. Officials said that the advisory council for election automation is considering using two different machines for the elections. — Emilia Narni J. David, BusinessWorld
In a talk with reporters, Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Rene V. Sarmiento said that the youth, media and technology played a big role in the US elections and could change elections in the Philippines.
The commissioner observed the US elections as the representative of Comelec chairman Jose A. R. Melo in a program sponsored by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
Mr. Sarmiento suggests that televised debates between candidates be instituted for the 2010 national elections to bring the issues of the elections closer to the public.
These debates can be covered by major networks to entice candidates to participate. He noted however that the problems of budget and education would be difficult for the country to overcome but that the commission is already taking steps in overcoming the problems.
"The Comelec is already doing voter’s education and speeding up the resolution of cases that would help gain more trust from the public," he said.
Meanwhile, the Comelec has launched Bagongbotante, a project for new voters to learn about the electoral process in the Philippines.
A Web site, www.bagongbotante.com, and a library have been set up by the commission for access by students.
The Comelec is pushing through with its plans to automate the 2010 national elections. Officials said that the advisory council for election automation is considering using two different machines for the elections. — Emilia Narni J. David, BusinessWorld
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