Vote Buying
By lizziegee
@lizziegee (297)
Philippines
April 22, 2013 11:59pm CST
Philippines.
May 13, 2013. Another momentous event in the Philippines. Senatorial, Mayoral and Congressional Elections. It always gets me upset how most politicians say the same promises they said last elections, and that the mass will always believe them. As if the increasing poverty and worsening situation are not proofs enough that these people are just after winning their votes, and the license to again abuse their would-be power if ever they get in office again.
In our little town, it's so embarrassing that so many people still sell their votes. I don't get that. Well, if you're really so poor and jobless and in desperate need of cash, of course, you will grab every chance to earn. But for me, in my humble opinion, selling your vote is no different from selling your dignity, your integrity. You will forever be remembered as the person who votes for money. I don't think it'll ever be considered a good thing.
I am not rich. I still strive to make ends meet every month to make sure my kids and I maximize the allowance my husband sends me. But I'm sure I will never consider selling my vote. Ever.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@averygirl72 (37688)
• Philippines
24 Apr 13
I agree, during elections people are excited to vote and the elections is like a big event. The sad part is after the election time and they already sit comfortably in their government positions these politicians are actually lazy. So many jobs to do to improve the country but we don't know why they are the only ones that seems to be getting better. They get richer, famous and healthier but the people still living in misery. I cannot blame those who sell their votes because money is money. However, those money is nothing compared to the money the corrupt officials will just use for their own instead of using for their constituents.
1 person likes this
@lizziegee (297)
• Philippines
24 Apr 13
That's right. Honestly, I don't get too excited for the elections anymore. I know too well that cheating is very evident here. They might even have plotted the results already.
1 person likes this
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
23 Apr 13
I do believe you. It is just sad that poverty pushes people to accept the money in exchange of their vote. How can we stop this? I am not sure how but I just hope that people should learn to understand why there is a need to vote for leaders for our country.
1 person likes this
@lizziegee (297)
• Philippines
24 Apr 13
Yes. Poverty worsens too much in the Philippines so I guess people think selling their votes is acceptable, which is not, and will never be.
1 person likes this
@elshaddai123 (3981)
• Kottayam, India
23 Apr 13
both buying & selling votes is serious crime to be punished.
@lizziegee (297)
• Philippines
23 Apr 13
I believe that, too. Unfortunately, the Philippine law needs some serious revamping first before that could actually happen. :(
1 person likes this
@grace24 (1050)
• Philippines
24 Apr 13
Different dirty scheme every election, not new in this place. So sick of those who are running in different position who are buying the votes of poor people. They are just after the power. Vote buying is rampage not only in my place but also in other part of our country. I hope this kind of crime will be stopped.
@Zer0Stats (1147)
• India
23 Apr 13
You know that`s exactly what elections and campaigns are all about.I feel there should be no monetary incentive to buy votes.Perhaps every politician should be limited by a set amount of money for an even and fair campaign to elected office.The way it is now mega politicians use their mega bucks to buy elected office with lucrative benefits after they are done.
1 person likes this
@lizziegee (297)
• Philippines
23 Apr 13
Yes. I hate how they think they can control the votes because of their money. It's just terribly wrong and so frustrating.
1 person likes this
