Political Violence Challenges Ahead of Philippine Mid-Term Elections

The Philippines’ mid-term elections are shadowed by political violence, with 46 reported incidents. Comelec observed a reduction in candidate fatalities to fewer than 20, compared to 100 in the last election. The strong influence of local posts and persistent impunity for violence raise concerns, as experts warn that issues surrounding family ties and local power structures are deeply rooted, complicating efforts for reform.

In the Philippines, the upcoming mid-term elections have been marred by significant political violence. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported 46 acts of violence from January 12 to April 11, highlighting the precarious situation for candidates like mayoral hopeful Kerwin Espinosa, who survived a gunshot wound at a campaign rally.

Despite the alarming incidents, Comelec noted that “fewer than 20” candidates have been killed this election cycle, an improvement compared to approximately 100 deaths during the last general election.Elections commission spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco confirmed this decline, although the prevalence of violence remains a concern.

The struggle for local office is intense, driven by the significant power it confers over jobs, police, and tax fund allocations. Danilo Reyes, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, emphasizes that local executives wield considerable discretion in resource allocation, which makes the stakes unusually high in regions dominated by a single family or private armed groups.

Cleve Arguelles, CEO of WR Numero Research, argues that local elites operate with impunity, particularly in regions far from Manila, often exacerbating violence. He describes the situation as a political landscape where losing control of local government equates to a loss of both economic and political power.

Due to weak mediation institutions, Reyes asserts that violence often becomes the primary means of resolving conflicts. For instance, Espinosa was shot by an assailant from a considerable distance while campaigning in Leyte. Following this attack, police are investigating seven officers as possible suspects; however, convictions for such crimes are rare.

Data indicates that between 2018 and 2022, 79 percent of violent acts against local officials went unsolved. Reyes explains that national politicians have little incentive to pursue investigations, relying instead on local allies for votes during elections.

The interdependency between local and national leaders is part of a broader “grand bargain,” allowing local elites to exist as long as they deliver votes. This dynamic continues to fuel election-related violence, especially in regions like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Comelec has taken control of certain municipalities after recent murders of election officials, showcasing its commitment to ensuring election security. However, Laudiangco acknowledges that the deeply entrenched connections of family and politics in provinces will perpetuate tensions, making constructive change a slow process in the current socio-political landscape.

In conclusion, the complexity of political violence in the Philippines, particularly during the election season, underscores the challenges faced by candidates and the electoral commission. Despite a reduction in fatalities, the underlying issues of power struggles, local elites’ influence, and weak mechanisms for accountability persist. The interwoven nature of familial and political relationships within provinces continues to impede progress, necessitating a multifaceted approach to enhance political stability and security during elections.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com