Friday, November 02, 2007 Talk back: Electoral reform By Ken Casiple
(THE letter is addressed to columnists Bobby Nalzaro and Frank Malilong)
In reaction to you gentlemen's commendable columns in Sun.Star on the topic of vote-buying, it is my strong opinion that what is urgently needed now is thorough electoral reform.
Such a reform should include, but not be confined, to the following:
--A strict two-party system.
--No turncoatism.
--Strict definition and enforcement of anti-nepotism laws.
--Public auditing of sources and disbursement of campaign funds.
--A minimum of Civil Service Eligibility for the offices of President and Vice-president.
--Disqualification of convicted felons from running for any elected position.
--Most important of all:
Limiting the privilege to vote to those who show proof of responsible citizenship, e.g. regular taxpayers, students enrolled within the past two years, veterans and pensioners, members of NGO's and volunteer organizations, etc.
(Priests, especially the vocal ones, may then truly qualify even if they are exempted from taxes!)
Sirs, without these reforms, our elections will remain a tragicomedy.
The rich feudal-political lords will forever remain in power by exploiting the gullible masses with loose change, and keeping the "indios" forever ignorant, poor, and powerless.
