Voter's Awareness - BSIT 1-6 PDF

VOTER’S AWARENESS GROUP PRESENTATION BSIT 1-6 LEARNING OBJECTIVES : The module aims to raise the level of the voters especially the disadvantaged sectors towards a responsible, democratic, and sustained participation in electoral and governance processes. Specifically, this aims to: 1. Acquaint the...

VOTER’S AWARENESS GROUP PRESENTATION BSIT 1-6 LEARNING OBJECTIVES : The module aims to raise the level of the voters especially the disadvantaged sectors towards a responsible, democratic, and sustained participation in electoral and governance processes. Specifically, this aims to: 1. Acquaint the voters with the basic concepts of democracy and the role of elections in democracy and governance 2. Stress the importance of one’s vote 3. Encourage voters to participate in the whole electoral and governance process; and 4. Eventually effect informed political choices among the citizen voters.  THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE The Right of Suffrage in the Philippines refers to the constitutional right of citizens to vote in elections, a fundamental component of democracy. Constitutional Basis The right of suffrage is primarily governed by Article V of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which sets out the qualifications and conditions under which citizens can exercise their right to vote. HISTORY OF ELECTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD Governance through barangays led by a datu. Leadership was hereditary or based on community consensus. SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD (1521-1898) Governance controlled by Spanish authorities; Filipinos had minimal participation. Tejeros Convention (1897): First election during the Philippine Revolution, electing Emilio Aguinaldo. HISTORY OF ELECTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD (1898-1946) Introduction of formal elections and democratic structures. 1907: Philippine Assembly elections (limited to male property owners). 1935: Commonwealth Constitution; Manuel L. Quezon elected as President. POST-INDEPENDENCE ERA (1946-PRESENT) 1946: First election in the independent Philippines; Manuel Roxas elected President. Democratic elections became regular for national and local offices. HISTORY OF ELECTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES MARTIAL LAW AND THE MARCOS ERA (1972-1986) Elections manipulated to maintain power. 1986 Snap Election: Triggered the People Power Revolution. RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY (1986-PRESENT) 1987 Constitution: Reinstitution of free and fair elections. Presidential elections every six years, congressional and local elections every three years.  HISTORY OF ELECTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES ELECTORAL REFORMS Introduction of automated elections in 2010 to ensure transparency. Continuing challenges: vote-buying, fraud, and political dynasties. RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY (1986-PRESENT) ELECTIONS & DEMOCRACY Philippine Elections and Democracy refer to the system by which citizens of the Philippines elect their leaders, both in local and national positions, as part of their democratic process. The Philippines is a democratic republic, meaning that sovereignty resides with the people who elect representatives through a voting system. GOVERMENT STRUCTURE The Philippines has a unitary presidential system with three branches of government: Executive: Led by the President (Head of State and Government) with a six-year term, supported by the Vice President and Cabinet. Legislative: A bicameral Congress with the Senate (24 nationally elected members) and the House of Representatives (district and party-list representatives) creates laws and oversees the budget. Judiciary: Headed by the Supreme Court, which ensures laws follow the Constitution, supported by lower courts for legal disputes. ELECTORAL SYSTEM The Philippine electoral system is based on universal suffrage for citizens aged 18 and above, with elections overseen by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Types of Elections: National (President, Vice President, Senators) and Local (Governors, Mayors, Barangay officials). Held every 3 to 6 years. Process: Voter Registration is required. Campaigns are regulated. Elections use automated vote-counting machines. Results are declared after canvassing. Challenges: Issues like vote-buying, political dynasties, and electoral violence persist.  VOTER BEHAVIOUR AND ELECTIONS Family and Political Dynasties: Voters often support candidates due to family ties or political legacy. Personality-Driven Politics: Charisma and public image are crucial in voter decisions, often overshadowing policies. Economic Factors: Voters from lower-income backgrounds may prioritize direct benefits or promises. Religion and Regionalism: Religious groups and regional loyalty strongly influence voting behavior. Vote-Buying and Patronage: Economic hardship makes voters more susceptible to vote- buying. Social Media Influence: Social media plays a growing role in shaping opinions, with campaigns and misinformation affecting choices. Trends High Voter Turnout: Elections are seen as a vital tool for change, leading to strong voter participation. Youth Vote: Young voters prioritize issues like education and employment. Shift Toward Issue-Based Voting: A growing focus on policies, though personality still dominates. Challenges Vote-Buying and Patronage: Persistent problems that affect fair voting. Misinformation: The spread of false information on social media complicates informed decision-making.  GUIDING VISION A guiding vision for voter awareness focuses on: Educating Voters: Ensuring understanding of the electoral process and candidate platforms. Active Engagement: Encouraging participation beyond voting, such as staying informed and attending civic events. Critical Thinking: Promoting fact-checking to avoid misinformation. Inclusive Representation: Highlighting voting as a responsibility to ensure fair elections. Long-term Vision: Encouraging choices that contribute to sustainable national development. Community and Trust: Building trust in the electoral process for positive change. This vision promotes a responsible, informed electorate essential for a thriving democracy.  ACTION POINTS FOR CITIZEN VOTERS Key action points for citizen voters include: Stay Informed: Research candidates and rely on credible sources. Register and Participate: Ensure you're registered and vote in all elections. Encourage Others: Promote voter education and motivate others to vote. Evaluate Information: Verify facts and be cautious of misinformation. Engage in Civic Activities: Attend debates and join civic organizations. Uphold Ethical Voting: Reject vote-buying and vote based on principles.