Empty Chairs and Empty Ballots
By Pilar Toribio | May 26, 2024
A closing semester means a new and upcoming student council. For those filing for candidacy, it is an enthralling but equally terrifying roller coaster. For the current student body, a day met with intrigued first glances but eventual indifference. This was the impression I received when entering my first year at the University of the Philippines Baguio (UPB).
Although I was not necessarily surprised, I was, admittedly, disappointed that the student body did not express as much concern as I thought all UP students would during student election season. I believe it is quite alarming that any Iskolar ng Bayan already showcases these signs of disinterest in such pressing events.
This year’s voter turnout, roughly a 5 percent decrease from last year, according to the UP Baguio Commission on Elections (COMELEC), is an example of such rising disinterest. And when last year’s count was already a lowballing 60.74 percent, one does not need to be a BS Math major to compute that the 2024 tally of 55.36 percent is concerning.
“I don’t HAVE to be political just because I’m a UP student.”
This is a statement I frequently hear when an individual chooses to forfeit their vote in UPB. If not, it will be something along the lines of “I will just abstain anyway, I don’t know any of the candidates.”
I believe it is unfair to automatically assume that all candidates are unfit for your preferences in terms of representation. Even if this might be the case, choosing to physically mark yourself with the traditional purple ink sends an important message: that you did your part, and others are encouraged to do the same.
UPBSCE 2024: What went wrong?
I commend the COMELEC for what they did with their limited resources and time. For example, my experience with face-to-face elections was relatively smooth and without many issues. If there were to be controversies caused by the COMELEC themselves, these would be rectified immediately and treated with utmost professionalism. I also have to admit that much of COMELEC’s faculty and members held great accountability for their actions, most especially for their lapses present in this election season.
However, the flow of student elections this year definitely calls for improvement. The biggest flaw being the schedule of events.
I find it interesting that the overall process of the election period, from the filing of candidacy to the announcement of winners, is only a month-long process. Therefore, leaving very little wiggle room for candidates to truly connect and discuss their platforms with the student body.
Not only that, but choosing to hold elections at the near end of the school year, when most are off campus or busy preparing for exams, is another concern. The urgency of COMELEC to host full-time face-to-face voting periods after years of remote ballots caused by the pandemic is understandable, but there must be better strategy planning to foster the most effective results. For example, hosting face-to-face election dates to align with the most foot traffic on campus.
Furthermore, with MDAs being scheduled just a day before the election period, how is this possibly enough time for students to process, or at the very least catch up on what these candidates said about their stances and programs? Why not separate the event into two days to prevent mental fatigue for candidates and audiences alike, hold a three-day buffer period, and then hold elections?
I also believe that promotions were insufficient in reminding the student body. Although the height of their performances is during campaigns and such, the promotion and encouragement of student participation must be a year-long commitment.
So what now?
In the end, only time will tell what can be expected from next year’s election. However, as a student of UPB, I only hope for improvements and better initiatives — both with COMELEC and the studentry themselves.
What is certain, however, is that the importance of the electoral vote remains to be of utmost precedence. It is how we keep the students’ concerns alive and our elected candidates in check.
I do not think it is ever too late to turn things around. With the proper resources, dedication, and investment, it is surely possible to see the 55 percent increase once more.
