Daily Short Blog #13
I am an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Since the Philippine National Elections will be on 9th of May, absentee voting started for those currently staying or working abroad.
Absentee voting is an electoral process that enables persons who cannot appear at their designated polling places to vote from another location. As for Filipinos currently in Dubai, registered voters can vote in Philippine Consulate General located in Al Qusais, Dubai.
As a citizen, it is not only our right but a responsibility to elect the right set of people to administer the functioning of the country. Only those who perform their duty towards the nation have the right to raise their voices against the system.
Honestly, I’m way older considering it was my first time to vote. I’m actually reaching the age of 30 soon! It has been years since I and my husband went to Dubai for employment purposes and since then, I didn’t get the time to register myself as a voter. It’s better late than never, right?
“There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter.”
Barack Obama
Participating on this upcoming election feels surreal! It’s a great opportunity to choose the best candidates who could lead the country considering the rivalry to win these days is quite competitive. Scandals and controversies are unwavering emphasizing those candidates who are outshining the surveys.
I was so happy to see a lot of Filipinos sacrificing their time and effort queueing on long lines under the sun just to cast out their votes. Fortunately, the whole process was seamless as every detail was smooth and uninterrupted. The long queue outside the consulate was just because of the number of people who came to vote, otherwise, once your inside the hall, the flow was harmonious. Thanks to the authorized Filipino poll watchers or officers.
To my fellow OFWs, before going there to cast your vote, please do not forget to check if you are listed as a registered voter. This can be done online by clicking this link:
CERTIFIED LIST OF OVERSEAS VOTERS FOR THE 2022 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS
You only have to bring your Emirates ID and that’s it! You may visit our consulate from 8am to 9pm including weekends and holidays.
What are my hopes for these coming elections?
Presidential elections are always fraught, but this year’s is in its own league. Between pandemic precautions and potential crises of voters, these election campaigns inspire hope but they can also quickly lead to political despair.
Just like everyone else, I’m also praying for a just and fair elections. May the best candidate win hoping he would be the one with integrity and prioritize what’s best for the community. I’m hoping that some (saying all will be impossible) of our nationwide problems would be solve starting with poverty and give us OFWs additional benefits considering our sacrifice not only for our families but also for the good of the country.
What are my fears for these coming elections?
Electoral fraud. It refers to the illegal interference with the process of an election, either by increasing the vote share of a favoured candidate, depressing the vote share of rival candidates, or both. The accuracy of vote counting process is actually relying to the voting machine integrity itself. It can be manually altered by purpose or can be due to the technical issues that may arise from the machines itself.
Politicians bribing less educated people. The illiterate population are also entitled to cast their votes. As a result, there are strong possibilities of tainted and corrupt leaders being elected to run the country.
What are my expectations these coming elections?
Though it’s my first time to vote, I’m keeping my expectations low. There are two main Presidential candidates who are most likely to won as shown ton the recent surveys – namely Bongbong Marcos and Leni Robredo. In my opinion, the next president will be either of them. If not, then with God’s grace, hopefully it will be someone who will serve his/her best to meet public’s needs.
“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
The Takeaway
Vote wisely. Voting wisely is an act of practical wisdom. If we choose wise leaders, they will help make the rest of the society wiser too. The coming polls is crucial because the choice each Filipino voter casts can make or unmake the future of our country. It is our duty to vote for our representatives. Casting our vote is the most effective medium of communicating our grievances about the system.
So instead of putting blame on the system, let us come out and vote. Even if you are in the Philippines or staying abroad, vote and exercise your rights and views. Absentee voting is now made possible and accessible worldwide. By casting your vote, you would help elect a good body which will be of good public interest. Democracy in our country will be effective only if we vote wisely.
Photographed by my husband. 🙂
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I love all the quotes throughout this post. I think it’s so important to vote and to KNOW who you are voting for. In the past 10 years, I have felt very strongly about voting.
I did this for the first time in our last election. I was nervous at first, but it all worked out.
Voting is so important! When I lived in Florida anyone could choose to send in an absentee ballot, even if you were still local so I did those often as it was easier and took less time. In Texas, that’s only an option for a very specific set of circumstances so my first experience at a real poll was a few years ago. As you said, no matter how you do it, voting is something we all need to do.
Voting is so important and even if you aren’t able to make it to your designative polling location, choosing to be an absentee voter or electronic works just as well. Thank you for sharing!
Voting is so important and it’s great to see how seriously you’re taking it. I hope there’s no fraud and no bribing and democracy can prevail, but of course there is no such thing as a perfect system.
Oh thats great you were still able to participate!
It is so interesting to see how other countries work during elections. I don’t hear too much about other elections just the ones in America (where I am from). I find this fascinating to read.
I love that you all are practicing your right to vote. Keep up the good work.
Ooh I didn’t know about this. May 9 is coming soon and I also do hope whoever wins does their job right.
This is interesting, and hope all comes the right way. It’s cool that you guys got to participate.
I have never done an absentee ballot before. Thanks for sharing your experience. Voting is so important and to remember to do the absentee ballot if you can’t make it to the polls!
I’m proud of you. I don’t know who you’re voting for, but I’m glad that you are using your voice on who must lead us. May God’s grace and favour and wisdom be upon our next president.
It’s sad when the population fears electoral fraud votes. It seems like this problem is happening all over the world, and is only getting worse smh
I’m glad you take the opportunity to vote. It’s such an important thing now and I don’t think my generation quite get it!