The Philippine elections have already been synonymous to dirty tactics and physical violence. The campaign period has not formally began but the whole world was shocked with the atrocious massacre in Maguindanao which killed 57 people and the reason behind it has something to do with the majorly anticipated national elections. More than 18,000 positions are up for grabs this coming May 2010 including the president, vice president, senators, congressional representatives, governors, and mayors and poll-related violence are sure yet to come.
A nationwide gun ban took effect recently in the country. This is as part of efforts to reduce violence ahead of general elections in May. Under the ban, only state law enforcers and authorized private protection agents are allowed to carry firearms. Exemptions will be given to people who are under threats but subject to a strict and stringent process.
More than 3,000 checkpoints all over the Philippines have been set up to enforce the gun ban and excuses will not be entertained once the ban was violated by anyone and will be certainly punished.
This move is said to reduce the expected violence all throughout the campaign season. Sincere politicians who play clean and run only for true service are nearly extinct at the moment. Candidates nowadays are more driven and willing to do everything just to get their desired office even at the expense of others. Anyone who gets in their way will be erased in a snap. I just hope that this coming election will be successfully and fairly conducted. Many lives have already been sacrificed taking care of the ballots, certificates, and other election paraphernalia and a single number should neither be added to the casualties. This gun ban may be able to reclaim and prove to everyone that the election here in our country is a non-violent one. It is possible.
This is the perfect time to let "bye guns" be "bye guns".
No comments:
Post a Comment