The smart vote

CEBU, Philippines - In a few days the nation will once again cast its vote for public officials. It's bigger this time since the elections cover positions from president down to city and municipal councilors. But even if it were elections for barangay officials, elections are always a significant occasion.

Elections, therefore, are to be approached with reflection, seriousness and prudence, both by the candidates and the electors.  The candidates are presumed to have gone through delicate soul-searching before filing their candidacies. The cost of running for public office is no joke - financially, physically and emotionally.

The bigger challenge rests with the voters. They are the final sifter to determine who shall lead them next. But that's only to put it very simply. The truth of the matter is that the process of choosing the right personages for the right positions is not easy.

It is not easy to vote for people you don't really know, aside from what their propaganda materials tell you. The difficulty is compounded by the fact that you soon develop emotional leanings regarding the candidates based on the scanty information you get about them. You like certain candidates without even knowing why.

This is very unfortunate, considering the importance of the political exercise. The people we put in various positions via our votes should be the ones we trust to steer the fate of our community, our country. Given this, we cannot just close our eyes and point our fingers at some shady characters as our picks.

Here are steps from the League of Women Voters Education Fund, published at www.smartvoter.org, designed to help voters judge a candidate.

Step 1: Decide what you are looking for in a candidate.

Take note of the positions the candidates take on issues and the leadership qualities and experience they would bring to their aspired office. Both are important. Your first step in picking a candidate is to decide the issues you care about and the qualities you want in a leader. Think about community or national problems that you want people in government to address.

When you consider leadership qualities, think about the characteristics you want in an effective leader. Do you look for intelligence, honesty, an ability to communicate?

Step 2: Find out about the candidates.

Grab every opportunity to know the candidates. Watch out for news reports about them - on radio, TV and newspapers. Note down their pronouncements in the media. Listen to both their supporters and their adversaries. Collect any information you can find on each - campaign literature, including those found online.

Step 3: Evaluate candidates' stands on issues.

As you read the materials you collect, keep a record. Do the materials give you an overall impression of the candidates? What specific conclusions can you draw about the candidates' stand on issues? Do they strike you as sincere on their claimed stands?

Step 5: Learn about the candidates' leadership abilities.

Deciding if a candidate will be a good leader is difficult. How can you know if someone will be honest, open or able to act under pressure if elected to office? Read between the lines in evaluating the candidates' leadership qualities.

Look at the candidates' background and their experience. How well prepared are they for the job?

 Observe the candidates' campaigns. Do they accept speaking engagements before different groups - even those groups that might not be sympathetic? Do they accept invitations to debate? Do the campaigns emphasize media events where the candidates can be seen but not heard?

 Review the campaign materials. As you read the materials and watch the campaign develop, add to your notes the information that provides insights into candidates' personalities and leadership qualities. For example, do campaign materials emphasize issues or just images? Are they accurate?

Step 6: Learn how other people view the candidate.

Now that you have accumulated information from campaigns and other sources, you will want to learn what other people think about the candidates. Their opinions can help to clarify your own views, but do not discount you own informed judgments. You may be the most careful observer of all!

A smart vote is possible only if the voter takes the time - and effort - to fully understand his choices. And he does it because he understands the importance of his vote. He understands his right and responsibility in taking part in drawing the collective destiny of his community, his country. (FREEMAN)