The Electoral Reform Strategy

Reforms of the electoral and political processes in the Philippines are part of the primary strategies for achieving political stability and broadening people’s participation in democratic governance. Specifically, these reforms consist of the extending the right of suffrage to disenfranchised citizens such as the overseas Filipinos, development of a politically-aware and informed citizenry, development of electoral ethics, training of competent democratic leaders from marginalized and underrepresented sectors, ensuring the holding of free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections, modernization of the electoral process, and structural reforms in electoral management.

Women played an especially reform role in Philippine politics with two becoming “people power” presidents. A specific strategy is to raise their level of participation in governance and elective positions.

Sectors and institutions with reform potentials shall be encouraged to actively participate in the electoral process. The middle class, the media, the churches, women and the youth as well as non-governmental organizations shall be organized for non-partisan electoral initiatives.

The initial test of the strategy will be the crucial 2004 general election. Immediate objectives will therefore concentrate on reforms that will have an impact on this election. Beyond 2004, there is a need to develop the necessary electoral institutions and their capabilities in order to institutionalize the right of suffrage in its fullest meaning.

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