Pushing it a bit too far or a valid concern? Groups nix 2022 ‘no-el’ scenario

AT least 62 organizations have issued a so-called Unity Statement, asking the Duterte administration to ensure that the national and local elections will push through in 2022.

“We ask the President and Congress, as well as all political parties, party-list groups, the Commission on Elections and all Filipinos who value democracy, to similarly declare their commitment to holding the elections on May 9, 2022,” the group said.

They issued the statement amid speculations that a no-election (noel) is now being pushed by some groups supporting Charter change and amid concerns regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The group stressed that any postponement of the next elections is “unacceptable.”

“Let us resist and denounce all efforts to dispense with the elections by insidious means such as the proposed extension of the term limits of incumbent officials and the amendment of the Constitution,” the concerned groups said.

“As the country adjusts to the effects of the global pandemic, we should vigilantly protect and uphold our basic rights, including the right of suffrage,” they added.

They asked the public to support the initiative by participating in Comelec’s ongoing voters’ registration so they could cast their votes on Election Day.

One of the signatories, the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) noted that the Covid-19 is “no excuse” to defer the upcoming polls.

“If we look at other countries, some have already conducted elections, i.e., Singapore, Sri Lanka. Comelec, and all other election stakeholders, should prepare and do more to ensure not only free and fair elections in 2022 but to ensure it is also a safe one,” LENTE Executive Director Atty. Rona Caritos said in an SMS.

National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) Secretary-general Eric Alvia agreed with Caritos that the country could learn from the experiences of other countries that pushed through with elections even during the pandemic.

However, he noted that the recent improvements in the government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis will be crucial toward a successful 2022 polls.

“It appears we are now learning to cope and adjust to the next normal,” Alvia said.

LENTE, Namfrel, together with the Automated Election System (AES) Watch, and Center for People Empowerment in Governance were among the organizations which signed the Unity Statement.