Throughout the history of democracy, elections have been a means for the people of the nation to express their voices, beliefs, hopes, and dreams. However, in recent years, these elections have been marred by extreme violence. In this year’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections alone, 19 people have tragically lost their lives.
The majority of these incidents occurred in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, where 11 people were killed, and 13 election-related incidents took place. Thirty people were affected, and 14 were physically injured. Overall, there have been 29 confirmed incidents of election violence and 111 suspected incidents. These numbers are likely to increase as more cases are investigated.
Despite this, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) released a statement claiming this was a “generally peaceful” election. They cited the millions of registered voters and the relatively small number of people affected, disregarding the individuals harmed and the long-term repercussions of these incidents.
However, this overlooks the fact that election violence is more than just a series of isolated incidents; it is a manifestation of deep-rooted societal issues. The loss of lives, the erosion of trust in our institutions, and the undermining of our civil rights are matters we cannot tolerate.
Instead of dismissing these events, we stand to gain far more by acknowledging them and striving for improvement.
Mitigating election violence requires collaborative efforts from politicians, government institutions, and the populace. As a society, our most potent weapon against violence is education and unbiased information. A knowledgeable population is less likely to be swayed by divisive narratives or manipulated by political propaganda.
Politicians and political parties should emphasize constructive dialogue and debate, providing an alternative to violence. Additionally, laws against election violence should be enacted and effectively enforced. Laws alone are insufficient; government agencies should also receive proper training and resources to address these problems.
We must act now and challenge the narrative that election violence is inevitable. It can be prevented. While this effort is undoubtedly Herculean, we must persist regardless. If not for ourselves, then for our children and grandchildren, who will inherit the system we allowed to persist. We must strive for a future where every citizen can participate in the democratic process without fear, and where the ballot box once again symbolizes hope.