Towards a clean and honest elections: Jurisprudence on election-related offenses: Prospects for 2022 national election and beyond

Abstract

(Extract)

The vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it”. Democracy thrives when people actively participate and take part in social and political reform. Pastor H.E Fosdick (cited in Stevensons 1937) reasoned that Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people. The recently concluded May 09, 2022 Election is a testament to this conviction despite the still lingering threat of COVID-19. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) mentioned that despite the lingering threat of COVID-19, at least 76.5 million registered to cast their ballots. This shows a clear indication that Filipinos are determined to exercise their right to vote. A peaceful and effective method of selecting political leaders is through an election. A nation's citizens elect its leaders through the democratic process of voting. As a result, citizens can influence political leadership. An election is the expression of the sovereign power of the people. It is an embodiment of the popular will and Filipinos must turn out in huge numbers and understand the importance of elections in a democratic society.