YOUTH VOTE

The outcome of the coming May 14, 2007 elections will be decided by the youth. Either through active participation or through passive indifference our choice will determine the nation’s fate for the new millennia.

One cannot over emphasize the importance of the coming elections and it would be outcome. After EDSA 2, EDSA 3, the “Hello Garcie” Tapes scandal, two trashed impeachment trials and the failed automation of the election process; It is this election that could salvage the country from ruin. As it may, in a sense, validate the Filipinos support for PGMA if her allies can garner the majority of the seats in the Senate therefore ending the question on PGMA’s Presidency. However, this election could push us to total ruin if the sanctity of the votes is tainted once more.

Amidst the conundrum, the emotional stirrings, and the nonstop bickering of politicians due to the upcoming elections the political carnival had begun! And one sector is left pondering in the middle – the youth. While the issue of whether 'to vote or not to vote,' is still there for some of us, the dilemma who to vote for in the upcoming national polls is one of the biggest challenges we are facing.

Politicians from various shades of the political spectrum are shifting their campaign to focus on the youth or at least claim to represent the youth’s cause and interest. No politician is crazy enough to ignore our votes.

Comprising of more than 40% of the total voting population, it is undeniable that we shall dominate the forthcoming national elections. Our opinions, attitudes, and expectations should, therefore, be an eye-opener not only for politicians and for marketing specialists, but also for economists, social planners, political scientists and opinion makers concerned with the future of this country. Our age group, after all, will inherit this earth after the old ones were gone.

Mr. Antonio C. Abaya wrote on his essay regarding the youth’s fate relative the 2004 elections: “What do they think we are bequeathing to them, a potential paradise or a certain hellhole? I would be happy if they thought they would be taking over a nondescript, unspectacular, boringly ordinary but, at least, reasonably functioning and reasonably livable slice of the planet.”

After all the events that took place after 2004 Mr. Abaya would be displeased unfortunately knowing that their generation is more likely to leave the youth with a “hellhole” legacy than the nondescript, boring, ordinary place he prefers.

But then again the choice of a potential paradise or a hellhole is a decision that the older generation is not to make. Like the choice of who to vote come Election Day it is a decision entirely up to us to make if we are willing to take the responsibility.

The next question is; Are we willing to take on the responsibility? Are we ready for it? Are we committed enough?

There are mix answers to these questions. Since 1999, there had been a growing number youth participation in the Philippine society. Youth organizations with various advocacies had sprung up like mushrooms. From civic causes to charitable endeavors, there are youth groups that address these concerns but it is sad to note that youth organizations dealing with political issues had not shared the same popularity or growth.

Maybe it is because many see politics as dirty and trash. Some observe that this is because the youth are passive and are unwilling to participate in a tired process were money and influence is the name of the game.

I see the political processes as tools and this tool’s value depends on who is using them. Like a knife in a butcher’s hands ends life while in a surgeons hand it can extend life. I believe that the youth can maximize the political processes to take charge and be catalyst of positive societal changes if we are organize and willing to work towards a common goal.

A great sage once said,”Democracy can only work if the people are willing to take an active role in it”. Democracy is for, by, and to the people, we have to keep it in mind that public officials do not solely shoulder the responsibility of governance but it is a responsibility in every individual.

During elections in a representative democratic state the political power returns to the people and as they cast their votes they decide the fate of the nation by giving up their political power to persons they think is best capable of forwarding their interest and carrying out their goals and aspirations as a people.

Let the Filipino youth in its more than 10 Million strong electorate member uphold the political power we posses. Let us use the May 14, 2007 national elections to effect the changes we desire for our nation by electing the proper individual to positions in government. Let us judge them by their character, track record, platform of government and integrity.

We have more information and tool in our hands to push this country beyond the personality politics our patriarchal society had come to develop. We are better in seeing through the mask most politicians take on to entice voters. We are better in discerning the genuine from the fraud. Let us go out then and carefully examine all candidates that would stand on election come May 14. And let us vote with the future, our future in mind!

Your choice, your vote, your future!