Roots
The mighty young
By Marifi Jara
QUELIMANE, Mozambique–Youth. Technology. Action.
These will be key factors in the coming election on May 10, and it’s the youth – if they choose to be so – that will be the driving force of the other two.
To begin with, more than half of the more than 48 million registered voters in the Philippines are under the youth category, pegged at 18 to 33 years old. Theoretically, if the young voted as one solid bloc, they could decide for the nation who will be the next president. They do have the numbers to boast.
Then there’s the matter of technology, something that the young generation grew up with and so are not afraid of. They are of an era where typewriters are a thing for antique shops and an encyclopedia is no longer a set of heavy hard-bound books. Like fish to water, the young plunge into computers and gadgets without holding breath. They would surely have no problem casting their ballot in the first ever computerized election. An upshot of technological innovation, of course, is the internet – that wonderful web of almost boundless information. And it is information that will empower voters into making wise choices.
But all that will be for naught if concrete actions are not taken. And it does not take full-blown activism to make a difference. It could be as simple as:
- Going to the Commission on Election site (comelec.gov.ph) and print a sample ballot which you can review and introduce to the gayuts in your household. Talk politics in the house, make it your business, stop thinking that nothing is going to change anyway. Start the change.
- Harvest information about the candidates. When you initiate talk about politics, don’t be talking nonsense. Don’t just rely on your friendly neighborhood kwentong barbero as the basis for whom you will vote for. Don’t mind Ruffa and Kris, their recent showbiz drama absolutely has nothing to do with serious politics. Go to the town library and read newspapers, visit informative websites such as youthvotephilippines.com, incitegov.org (International Center for Innovation, Transformation and Excellence in Governance), yps.org.ph (Young Public Servants). Read up on the local candidates, dig up information on their background, performance and platform; don’t be simply brainwashed by their smiling faces on tarpaulins and posters (that are probably hanging anyway in violation of laws).
- If you have time to spare (hey, the summer break is coming up!), volunteer to help organized groups in voter education efforts, especially in the rural areas. Out-of-school- youth, both those who are forced by poverty-related circumstances or due to self-blunder, can channel their time and energy here too.
- Attend campaign sorties. But DON’T go there for the goodies (especially not the money!) or to simply ogle at the politicians or drool over their accompanying artistas. Listen well and think critically. Is the candidate talking rubbish with the usual motherhood statements or is there substance and a concrete agenda in the speech? Ask if you can about issues that matter to your community, town, and the country. (I’ll write about the issues next time…).
- Take a stand, by all means. If you are already convinced that a candidate or candidates (it has to be a well thought out and informed decision, ha!) would be a good public servant/s, campaign for them. The good ones deserve your help.
Our youth do hold power and they can make a difference by rolling out their might. They can prove that (with respectful acknowledgement to George Bernard Shaw) youth is not wasted on the young.
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