IF THERE is a politician running unopposed for a certain position in a local government unit, it is a sign that democracy in that locality is not at its best state.

A healthy democracy is when several people are involved in the electoral process -- voters who are presented with multiple candidates, voters who have choices. The ability to govern is not a monopoly of a single family.

The Commission on Elections has said that there are 18,023 local elective posts being contested in the May 9 polls, and check this out: There are 832 candidates running unopposed in the local elections. The electorate does not have to cast their votes for these unrivaled candidates who could be all from political clans -- the candidates can vote for themselves to win.

People who do not mind having only one candidate for representative, mayor, vice mayor, vice governor and governor do not really care for democracy. It’s possible there are people who like it that way because their place would be in a Pax Romana state during elections if there is only one candidate for a local position. In short, no hassle for the voters.

If Charter Change happens, would it be a good idea to include a provision that no winners be declared if there are no two or more candidates running for the positions of governor, vice governor, mayor, vice mayor, legislative district representative and even barangay captain?

The President could be authorized by a new Constitution to fill in the vacant seat of a local executive. Or the local legislatures could select their leaders in case there is a vacancy. For a vacant position in a legislative district, the House of Representatives could appoint one or let the councils that comprise the district select their representative in the lower chamber of Congress.

However, these suggestions, if these become a reality, could be messy as hell if implemented knowing the nature of Philippine politics: fueled by corruption and patronage and veering toward violence.