Wasted Historic Opportunity

On record as we’re all witness to it. The just concluded election was the  first ever poll automation held for the country. That’s great and unprecedented. It would probably go facelifting, further improvement  and updating in the future. But the fact will always remain that it will surely go down into  the pages of history books as the first poll automation held in the country. Simply great, isn’t it? Such political development might also be considered history in world politics, long  overdue for the country compare to the rest of the world, but  May 10, 2010 National Election will still remain in the history book as the first ever attempt in liberating Filipino voters from onerous manual voting. That make us Filipinos a bit prouder now never mind very late in an age of information technology. Better late than never as we say it.

But what makes it entirely important development in our country’s history is  not only it’s historic value but also symbolic significance it has for the country in that it shows how the entire nation lobbies and rallies for its adoption notwithstanding numerous opposition for the project. And as we pursued it against all odds, we soon woke up amply rewarded  with great results giving us handsome dividend through fast and relatively reliable and clean election. That alone is something to crow about amid hard times and uncertainties.  That’s definitely unprecedented and incontrovertible proof of greatness among each Filipinos  par excellence.

The drama it went through was also worthy of an award as we were treated to rollercoaster ride that saw us divided on whether to go for manual, semi-manual or pure poll automation and all that. It was almost relegated too in the sidelines as rhetorics for its adoption went up high almost explaining the issue away. And as we thought it was already for good we have seen its denouement almost aborted when it was stopped and hastily fixed as thousands of flashcards were reconfigured. The journey for project poll automation was undoubtedly the road less traveled. Unfortunately, as it almost reaches home and made operational, there was again an upsurge of violent protest from various camps as independent observers and political analyst the likes GMA’s election Lawyer Romulo Macalintal who ultimately resigned to save his face and political career as topnotch legal luminary plead their cases to no avail. All is now well that ends well and let us leave it rest secured as it is already considered water under the bridge..

It’s unfortunate though that while were basking  on its glory and success, many were either giving their lip service through their support the rest waiting in the sidelines and waiting for opportunity plying their own trade making an excuse for the poll automation glitches.  Apparently the fourth “G” enemy of election.

Thus far, there were many areas  already identified “problematic”  on COMELEC Watchlist. Some of those election-related violence in TV erupting were merely validation of those observation. For example Maguindanao which saw  many people including journalists murdered late last year perpetuated  allegedly by the Ampatuans. Similarly, witness that video footage in Togaya, Lanao del Sur where there was fighting as voters scampering for cover and safety as that gunmen brandishing their hardwares were firing those shoots at will sending innocent people into the streets like wild dog looking for cover and safety! It was not only pasaway but most importantly,  showing at the height of arrogance  how these irresponsible people can cause havoc and violence among innocent and ordinary  people because of their guns.  Most likely too, the event was used as a ploy to create pattern for possible cheating later. Where were the authorities that day allowing  incredibly those terrorist firing at will there guns in the middle of the crowd as if they was a shooting  like in any movies. When would our brothers in Lanao del Sur and other area with failure of election  ever learn? Regrettably, it was unfortunate that as usual their culture of greed for power no matter what  the cost is  prevail over what otherwise would have been great breakthrough participating in first ever poll automation ushering true duly elected officials. Thanks that Maguindanao has come into its senses electing Toto Mangundadato as Governor. At  least we would be seeing confidence of the people renewed for clean and effective governance.  But woe to those who have failure of election as  recanvassing of votes is yet to be received by Manila specially those coming from ARMM who as usual is yet to submit theirs’.  But I doubt, as many analyst do and  are caught in quandary when their votes could be all  finished counted. As of this writing, it seems tall order controlling the area given contentious situation. Witness the graphical violence erupted in Tugaya, one among problematic municipality in Lanao del Sur.  Moreover, if the cold-blooded murder of a BEI in broad daylight is any indication of how far violence is so widespread in Mindanao and the rest of the country, then it plainly indicates that feudal system, bloodbath and greed for power among these areas are so deep-seated that no novel intervention could change. Poll automation to them is undoubtedly not a good alternative for now.  It was not also  welcome development given their culture which us back the question earlier raised: “When would they learn!”

Incidentally, such observation  actually not at all that surprising.  And many would agree on that. As Alex Magno puts it, is not at all that astonishing given the culture of the people in the area who relates every election  with guns, goons and gold minus of course the glitches some of the PCOS machines suffered. It would only be  astounding  if such crisis did not happen given its precedents in the past many election. What a waste of time, resources and opportunity. That is tragic. That time would have been the moment of truth to redeem and salvage their lost prestige through duly elected officials unfortunately, they have squandered instead giving disservice to the country aggravating all the more their seemingly still feudalistic political system.

 Of course there’s  Abra, the killing field of election though number was down from 27 casualties on previous election  to more than 10 this election.. The reign of the machine was simply unbeatable. Indeed, for the first time the political landscape notably the ambience on the road towards precinct places were peaceful and voters bringing their foods seem like they have their day full enjoying the day relaxed  as if they were more into picnic than trooping into polling places under the prying eyes of political powers that be with guns, goons and gold through their assets stationed just everywhere watching over them.

They should get inspiration from Manny  Pacman Pacquiao who has shown the way and what it takes to be there. No guts no glory.  And no poll automation, no clean election. It was also humbling experience for many and it is hoped that you have coped up with  whatever setbacks it gave. But that’s precisely the beauty of every election whether national, local or sectoral.  It brings the best in us for the better as we cast our vote those whom we would like us to govern.

 More than just the day of renewal, poll automated election could now  be an independence day too. Liberation from fraud into  credible election. Breakdown some of the dynasty  but surprisingly,  metastasizing  into far dominance of elite, the family incorporated as if they’re the only eligible leaders in town.

Hopefully as majority of votes are now counted, we could now leave behind our prejudices and support, rally and participate making that choice truly historic and effective. We could only do that by actively participating ourselves not just standbys conjecturing what’s up there but always constantly doing our own share in whatever means  and the best way we could. That makes all of us winner poll automation offers.