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.

        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.   

       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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