“OUT” with Old! “IN” with the New! A Critical Analysis of the Effects of the Philippines’ First Automated Elections on the Credibility of the Electoral System

Abstract

Elections are the foundation of democracy. It is through the electoral system that citizens exercise their rights to take part in democratic governance. Thus, we can say that elections are at the very heart of the democratic system. Elections are not merely about the casting or canvassing of votes. Elections are about the people’s contribution in choosing the leaders who they think can represent their ideals and who can provide them quality service and genuine leadership. As our country moves towards a new administration, the issue of electoral reform particularly poll automation takes the center stage. Electoral reforms are changes in electoral systems to improve how public desires, needs and choices are expressed through election results.1 These include reform of voting systems, vote-counting procedures, measures against bribe, coercion, and conflicts of interest, campaigning process, voter turn-out, safety of voters and election officials, drive against cheating, etc. Electoral reform can only be considered as such if its primary goal is to improve electoral processes, for instance through fostering enhanced impartiality, inclusiveness, transparency, integrity, or accuracy.