As election day draws near, expect more ugly headlines, eyebrow raising statements, and other forms of propaganda to pop up on your feeds. Still, with the circus going on, it all boils down to one solemn choice between you and a sheet of paper. Aside from arguing with your friends and avoiding trolls on social media, have you really thought about how to make your vote worth it and something you’d probably be stuck with for the next six years?
We listed down eight unbiased guidelines we think could help you make sense of all the noise. If things go awry in the days to come, at least you can say you didn’t let your vote be swayed by a catchy jingle or a witty Facebook post.
#1 Know their platforms
Beyond the propaganda, Facebook fan pages, and other confusing statements placed out there, every political candidate, if they are indeed worth their salt, will publish a formal listing of their political platform on every major national issue. Usually, it will come as a non-descript section in the editorial pages of a major newspaper or on their official website and social media accounts. Read them very well and get to really know the candidates for their concrete platforms beyond their sensationalized statements.
#2 Take the good with the bad
There is a joke out there that says that the last unbiased and benevolent public servant was nailed to the cross. Remember, all these candidates are human. They make mistakes but see how and if they amend them, and if their blunders are outweighed by their accomplishments.
#3 Take note of their track record
A few years ago, a certain senatorial candidate got into hot water for running for office without previous public position. Though it may have gotten ugly and a lot of other issues were dug up, it’s good to remember that person’s work experiences do matter. If we alone had to rack up some credentials before applying for our current job, the same should go for the people aiming for the most powerful positions in the country. Do some research on their previous professions, their ongoing advocacies, their current endeavors, and if it does help their case on what they can do for our country.
#4 Listen to what they are not saying
Most political candidates work with a PR team (if not, they probably should) that teach them how to answer tricky questions or controversial topics in the most diplomatic way. Try to dissect what is the general theme of their answers and what they are trying to say outright. This will give you an idea on how he or she will deal with situations when push comes to shove.
#5 Try to picture them among other leaders
That being said, it’s important to listen to how these leaders speak to the press as they will soon be speaking to the world and to the leaders of other countries. Do they always sugar-coat what they are saying? Are they always skirting the issue? Picture them at a conference with other nations and determine if their statements will cause tension or create bridges for us.
#6 Scrutinize beyond party ties
Affinities to political parties here in the Philippines change at a blink of an eye. Different reasons come into play why a certain politician would want to be associated with a particular party and its members. It may be to help their chances of winning or to pick up some noise during the campaign trail. Nonetheless, you should evaluate that person for their merits alone and not just because they’re running mates with another person you may or may not like.
#7 Be wary of showbiz gimmicks
It’s a sad truth but most of our politicians have to give in to some showbiz tricks or crowd-pleasing acts. Be aware. It may sway the vote of other people and give them the entertainment they want but come crunch time, their singing prowess and the actors with commercial-quality smiles they call friends aren’t going to count.
#8 Don’t look for a savior
Whoever your choice may be and whatever reasons you may have for choosing them, always remember that one person or a handful of legislators can’t perform miracles. Solving the pressing issues of our nation isn’t a one-man overnight act. He or she has to wear it out for six years with the cooperation of the rest of the public. Pick someone who you think can weather that storm and will be able to deliver long-term solutions rather than first-aid remedies.
Art by Dorothy Guya