The peoples’ participation in the electoral process does not end when they cast their vote. Due to widespread electoral fraud and violence, the people must guard their vote to advance their interests.
It is undeniable that many people wish to deprive the youth and the people of their victory in the electoral process by preventing their genuine representatives in the government to assume their positions.
Electoral fraud is committed in many ways.
Small-scale fraud occurs at the precinct level through the following:
- vote buying and selling
- negative voting
- deliberate non-application of indelible ink
- stuffing a ballot box with fake ballots
- hiring of flying voters
- exploiting “no-read, no-write” voters
- delayed release of voters’ list
- ballot box snatching
- removal of voters’ names from voters’ list
- harassment and intimidation of voters
Large-scale fraud is committed through the following:
- disqualification of candidates and parties
- dagdag-bawas (transposition, switching, digit dagdag-bawas)
- stealing and switching of election returns and certificates of canvass
What can we do against electoral fraud and violence?
To defeat the schemes of desperate and reactionary politicians, the anti-fraud and violence campaign must be intensified. The support and participation of the largest number possible of youth and the people in this campaign is important, regardless of whether they are voters or not.
The youth and the people can help in the anti-fraud and violence campaign through the following:
Education
Organize a voters’ education forum in your barangay, or assist if there is already one.
Invite all your housemates, neighbors, friends, and other acquaintances, to participate in voters’ education forums and the anti-fraud and violence campaign.
Propaganda and Mobilization
Wear anti-fraud and violence pins and ribbons, especially on Election Day.
Put an anti-fraud and violence streamer or teaser at the front of your house, gate, or door.
Organize or assist anti-fraud and violence petition-signing drives in your barangay and neighboring barangays.
Attend candle lightings, human chains, noise barrages, and rallies against fraud and violence.
Alliance
Help organize an anti-fraud and violence alliance in your barangay. Help in contacting and persuading church people, organizations, neighborhood associations, etc. to join the campaign.
Pollwatching
Assist in pollwatching in your precinct.
Invite others to pollwatch in their precincts.
Documentation and Communication
Help record relevant information and events in your barangay and inform the authorities.
Take pictures of any election-related anomalies, such as ballot-snatching etc., using your camera or cellphone and report it to the authorities.
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