A CELEBRATION OF DEMOCRACY14.05.10
Aired on May 14, 2010
Narration by Ptr. RG Foncardas
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A CELEBRATION OF DEMOCRACY
Last Monday, the first automated election took place in our country’s history. Earlier reports of doomsday scenario and fears of failure of elections proved to be greatly exaggerated. Surely, there were reports of PCOS machine breaking down and instances of violence breaking out in some parts of the country. There were also the long lines that dissuaded some voters from casting their votes. But in spite of these glitches, it can also be said that we experienced an election that was relatively more honest and peaceful than the previous ones.
There are many things to be grateful for and today we celebrate them.
We commend the unbelievable patience and optimism of the people. Voters endured the long lines, the heat and the hunger. They gave the new system a chance to work and faithfully fulfilled the duty to choose the people who would lead the country. By giving democracy and the new technology a chance, the people in the long run are the real winners from this.
We laud the teachers. When the machines and the system faltered, they stood up to the challenge and made things work. They ensured that the polls would go smoothly and successfully in spite of a disordered management and, in some cases, chaos. By rising to the occasion, they, too, were heroes.
We salute the police and military. Despite the rumored plans that the AFP would be used to rig the results, brave officers put their lives on the line to provide security and ensure peace especially in election hot spots.
We hold in high esteem the national-level candidates who conceded early. It is a sign of hope that our politicians shall put the will of the people over and above their own personal ego.
We highlight the significant role of the numerous prayers uttered before the election day. As one bishop said, when everything seemed bleak one week before the elections, the people appealed to a higher power. The people put their trust in the Lord and not merely on the efficiency of the machines and the competence of the COMELEC.
In this celebration, we congratulate our people who proved to be responsible stakeholders and showed their will and determination to improve the electoral process, support a new set of leaders, and become more vigilant in ensuring good governance.
Now that the election is over, may we continue the celebration of democracy by daily living our lives as godly citizens who prayerfully work toward the peace and justice that we are expecting from our government leaders.