Hooray to Malacañang for Keeping an Open Mind on the ARMM Polls!

Friday, 18 March 2011 06:47

Written by Dr. Edna E. A. Co

IT IS GOOD NEWS that PNoy is open to the idea of holding the polls in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Earlier, there have been strong and widespread opinions about the postponement of the ARMM election. I attended a round table discussion sometime in January 2011 amongst respectable leaders and opinion makers in Mindanao, including party and party list representatives, about the ARMM election. The general sentiment then was for the postponement of the ARMM election, on various grounds. Among the reasons cited were: Firstly, that the field is not level in many parts of Mindanao and especially in Maguindanao. Opinions add: one could predict the outcome of the polls. The domination by the clans and families are pronounced, therefore why hold election at this point? Secondly, it should take some time and some efforts to prepare for a truly meaningful election in the ARMM. Thirdly, we have a trusted person in Malacañang, and it may be better to allow for either an appointment by Malacañang of some leaders if necessary, until such time when election might be meaningful in the ARMM.

Do I hear it right, that I was in the midst of democrats? Was I listening to people who believe in the process of election and allowing people to make choices, rather than encourage the appointment by Malacañang of regional (and local) leaders?

No one argued on any budget constraint for the ARMM election. Surely, there is budget for the polls.

A minority, in fact perhaps only one person, clearly stood the ground on the pursuit of the ARMM election as scheduled. The reason given by the “lone ranger” was that if the election is postponed, we only encourage a violation of the Organic Act which says that regular election and choice of leaders in the region should be held regularly.

I agree with the “lone ranger”. The people of Mindanao should pursue the ARMM election, if only to adhere to the Organic Act which seems to have been transgressed more often than not. The rule of law remember? But more than sheer compliance to the act, I think it is important that the people’s voice and choice be heard, no matter how imperfect the process of the election is. As in other parts of the country, or even in the world, elections have their imperfections.Nevertheless, it is still an instrument of democracy and an occasion where people’s choices of leaders could be heard. The imperfections are somehow resolved or at least dealt with albeit with partial gains, through continuing education, information, and enlightenment of the people. Empowerment, if you will, which is a never-ending process in nation building or in any part of the nation.

The role of leaders and our institutions is not to thwart or discourage occasions and opportunities for people to participate. Moreover, it is an awful thing for democracy to simply entrust the selection of leaders to Malacañang, no matter how honest, sincere, and trusted the person who sits in the palace. This is not about PNoy per se. This is about the democratic process and to what extent we are pushing for its exercise, no matter the deficiencies. The long-standing problem in Mindanao is the patronage between Malacañang and the local (regional) leaders in the south. People in Mindanao often say the election result depends on who Malacañang favors. Election loses its own merit by simply entrusting the choice to Malacañang. The best Malacañang could do is to refrain from dipping its hands too deeply in Mindanao’s choice of leaders. After all, election should be an open competition. Let it be.

By the way, I salute PNoy for keeping his mind “open” to hold ARMM polls! (PDI, 15 March 2011, A17)

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