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Written by Ali B. Panda, Ph.D.
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Tuesday, 25 September 2007 |
In several areas in the Philippines, including Lanao del Sur, have experienced late proclamation of election winners. Macaurog Panandigan, a Meranao local analyst, said such proclamation has become part of the political culture in the country. He largely attributed this to electoral fraud and illegal acts and dirty politics, including bribery in the conduct of elections.
In the coming October 29 Barangay and Sanggonayang Kabataan Elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), led by Chairman Benhamin S. Abalos Sr., has ordered the Barangay Boards of Canvassers (BBoCs) to proclaim within 24 hours the winners unless it is impossible to do so because of violence, terrorism, loss or destruction of paraphernalia and other analogous causes that frustrate the holding of free and honest elections.
The Comelec directed its election officers in 118 cities and 1,510 municipalities to set up one BBoC in each barangay to canvass the election returns for both the barangay and SK elections and thereafter proclaim the winning candidates.
Abalos said the EOs in all cities and towns are required to constitute the BBoCs in 41,945 barangays all over the country not later than Oct. 10, 2007.
Therefore, Late proclamation of election winners in Lanao del Sur and other areas in the country happens when violence, terrorism like bombing which disturbs election proceedings , loss or destruction of paraphernalia and other similar factors that prevent the holding of free, honest and credible elections. It also happens when defeated candidates filed their protests in courts alleging election fraud and abnormality.  Be the first to comment this article |  Add as favourites (33) |  Quote this article on your website | Views: 2447 | E-mail | Read more...
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 06 January 2008 )
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Written by Ali B. Panda, Ph.D.
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Sunday, 23 September 2007 |
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The People of Ranao (lake) are called Meranao since they are residing near or in the vicinity of the lake. By implication, they are the people of the lake.
Meranao Muslim people believe in the oneness of Allah, the Sustainer and Creator of all creatures, and they also believe in the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him). Tambas Yahya in his dissertation in 1989 revealed that “the people, Mslim Meranao, are the most religious among the thirteen Muslim groups in the
Philippines
.”
Meranao born around the Ranao (
Lake) and the parents are same Meranaos looks upon himself noble. His nobility therefore is a great challenge on his part to prove in all walks of life and be reflective in his attitudes, utterances and activities.
As Muslim, he must be noble in the sight of Allah. He should fear Allah by following His commandments as enshrined in the Qur’an (the words of Allah) and the Sunnah (tradition of Prophet Muhammad).
Obviously, some Meranao uphold their nobleness though they are not dignified in the sight of Allah, they are not observing the tenets of Islam. They used to sustain this by inter marriages with the same noble. Some even resort to subsequent marriage mainly to widen their kinship and develop a strong community feeling and attachment
Cayongcat Atti in his book entitled “Knowing the Meranao” published in 1986 revealed that “the common impression is that the Meranao is a cultural minority and only a second class Filipino. His social stratification is premised on his religious identity and ethnic posture. But the Meranao is seemingly not accepting these limitations. In fact, he thinks highly of himself. He believes he belongs to the high stratum of Philippine society.”
The most noble in the Meranao social structure are the parents, sons or daughters of an influential sultan, bae, or datu. Their manners are domineering. Their behavioral patterns are autocratic. These are observable in times of their farming, business transactions and other social activities.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 06 January 2008 )
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Written by Ali B. Panda, Ph.D.
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Thursday, 20 September 2007 |
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Candidates for Barangay and Sanggunayang Kabataan Elections will file their certificate of candidacies on September 29 to October 18, 2007. These candidates are either from the people in power or new leaders who would like to rise and emerge to participate in the political process in order to assume political positions. Some perceive that candidates should prepare and must have all the resources i.e., money, time and supporters. Others are saying that qualified, who are competent, honest and brave, have to take the leadership to display the good qualities of Muslim leadership otherwise Allah will let the governance into the hands of the disqualified, vicious and corrupt leader.
Accepting money from the candidates and vote buying consequently become part of Meranao political culture. This was not known to the Meranao people and it is even prohibited by their Islam religion and in the Government Omnibus Election Code. Under the impact of Western democracy and the failure of the government to address the poor socio-economic condition, some people justify the need to take money or any kind from politicians.
Seemingly, vote buyers may give partial amount at the beginning of campaign period. When election is imminent, they add more, especially to those who already received money from other vote buyers and to those who may decide to vote for another candidate (s). The increase of such amount depends on the economic condition and the religiosity of the electorate. The poorer the electorate, the greater money will be spent; the poor may actually demand more money or promises from the vote buyers. Also the more religious ones would not want to receive any kind in exchange for their votes. The vote buyers, therefore, would resort to offering more money and promises to the religious ones. For instance, they may say, “this money is a gift and it is not to buy your vote” or “take this amount, I am not forcing you to vote for my candidate.” In other instance, the vote buyer would ask the religious elector to distribute the money for the poor in form of charity.
Candidates usually courts heads of families who are respected. The vote buyers offer money in exchange of promises to get more votes and support from the electorate. Some electors, on the other hand, may justify their acceptance of money from the candidates on the following reasons
1. To get money from the candidate in power is valid because the money he is spending are government funds allocated for the improvement of the Barangay. The money was not spent for the purpose but rather reserved for the forthcoming election to obtain more votes. Therefore, it is justified to partake of the money.
2. To take money from the candidate not in power is valid since after having been elected to the post he/she will utilize government funds allocated for the Barangay improvement for his personal use,
3. To obtain money from the different candidates with the intention and belief that these candidates are rich is justified. In Islam the rich should share their wealth with the poor.
To ensure the support of vote sellers, the vote buyers would ask them to swear before the Qur’an and promise that their votes would be cast for the chosen candidates. At this juncture, the vote sellers would finally decide whether or not they are determined to cast their votes for the particular candidate(s) before swearing on the Qur’an.
Other candidates, who believe that to give money to the electors during electio is prohibited in Islam, just give away money as gifts or charity. This political attitude is seen among politicians who have Islamic orientation.
It is during this stage of the election campaign that political situation turns serious and critical. The politicians and their supporters tried to safeguard their electors from their political opponents with the use of high-powered guns.
Some electors are now watching the candidates and political supporters their political attitudes, resources and strategies on the forthcoming May 2007 elections.
Candidates, therefore, are expected to spend for vote buying, transportation, food and other campaign materials and other matters for the conduct of election.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 06 January 2008 )
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Written by Ali B. Panda, Ph.D.
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Thursday, 20 September 2007 |
PRE-ELECTION POLITICAL EXPENDITURES AMONG MERANAO POLITICIANS DR.ALI B.PANDA
Meranao politicians are now preparing for the forthcoming Barangay and Sanggunayang Kabataan Synchronized elections. The lections shall be held on October 29, 2007 despite of the opposition of the majority members of the House of Congress. You can see some Meranao politicians attending occasions and meeting people to show their willingness to help in any forms. This is the pre-election period or the first phase of political participation in Meranao area, more particularly in Lanao del Sur. Talks about election has become now the subject of everyday and everywhere in the area.
In this piece of writing I therefore intent not to include the next phase of political participation i.e., during campaign, election, canvassing and proclamation.
Among Meranao politicians, the most effective way of obtaining political support of the people is to have enough resource-money for political participation. Money is the primordial consideration in the choice of a candidate to run in an election. Money, therefore, is an essential tool of their election.
This first phase of political participation which took place when politicians found ways and means to invite the electors to vote them or their candidates in the coming election.
Some of those were done through the following:
1. Helping the needy (i.e., students and poor),
2. Giving donations and financial support to Islamic institutions (i.e., masajid and madaris,
3. Financing seminars, lectures, symposia, fora and the like for the society,
4. Giving assistance to those who are getting married, to died or dying and going abroad for pilgrimage or to find a job,
5. Awarding prizes to the winners of educational and sports contests,
6. Offering kandori (gift) for the people of the community, and
7. Providing resources in settling disputes and conflicts.
These expenditures highlighted the political interests and intentions of the politicians. They have to show their concerned on the people’s welfare and would even appreciate and welcome invitations for the various activities of the community.
But, Islam does not prohibit people from spending their wealth as charity for the needy and society. It prohibits, however, those who spend their wealth for bad intention. In fact, spending for the benefit of society has been termed as “loan” to Allah which is meant to be repaid by Him in the Hereafter.
In the same manner, spending wealth is not aimed at making anybody obliged to the interest of the giver. This is supported by a verse where Allah says in the Qur’an: “Ye who believe cancel not your charity by Reminders of your generosity or by injury like. Those who spend their substance to be seen of men… The Prophet said: “Wealth should be spent to seek the pleasure and countenance of Allah and not for name, and fame or show, and to spend for the sake of name is a minor Shirk.
The verse and the saying of Prophet imply that Islam, as an ideology, never encourages the giving of money for any kind if the motive is to influence individual or group to vote for the election or appointment of a particular candidate.
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 06 January 2008 )
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