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Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Complete names of candidates better than generic numbers
By Aurea A. Gerundio
* Says Comelec's earlier proposal to use generic numbers instead of full names of candidates in ballots is confusing and may lead to disenfranchisement of voters and candidates
DAVAO City Councilor Peter Laviņa urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) 11 Tuesday to come up with a ballot design that will ensure the complete and readable list of candidates instead of its earlier proposal to use generic numbers corresponding to the electoral candidates.
In a privilege speech during Tuesday's City Council session, Laviņa said Comelec estimated about 450,000 candidates contesting in next year's election.
"There are 12,500 national and local elective posts at stake in 79 provinces and 1,614 cities and municipalities. Given this large number of elective posts and huge number of candidates, automation obviously becomes a necessity. But, what concerns me most and, perhaps, all candidates is the type of automated ballot that Comelec suggested using generic numbers," Laviņa said.
He added Comelec has proposed a system wherein there will be an appended master list of candidates for particular posts arranged alphabetically with corresponding numerical figures.
Laviņa showed the council a photocopy of an automated ballot showing names of candidates for certain positions like President, Vice President, Senators, Congressmen, Governors, Vice Governors, Mayors and Vice Mayors.
"This (referring to the photocopy) is possible because of the lesser number of candidates for those positions. But, for the position of party-lists, board members, municipal and city councilors, where Comelec has proposed the use of generic numbers, the system may lead to massive confusion," Laviņa added.
Laviņa believes the system will deprive many candidates of their rights to the "equal protection of the law" in the Constitution.
"While other candidates like those of the President might be named in the ballot, those of the board members and councilors may be assigned generic numbers. This is unfair, confusing and may lead to the disenfranchisement of both voters and candidates," Laviņa said.
(December 10, 2003 issue)
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