Tomorrow marks another opportunity for Filipinos to display their right to suffrage. This time, they are going to choose the next batch of leaders in the barangay, the smallest form of local government unit in the country.
Barangay election is thought to be more chaotic than the one for higher posts like mayor or congressman. Since its candidates vie for positions in just a small area, competition would inevitably turn hot, so intense that it would sometimes lead to bloody incidents.
This is the reason why authorities are working doubly hard to prevent any untoward incident. Part of their drive was to gather candidates for a dialogue in which these aspirants would be made to sign a peace covenant.
Under the peace covenant, candidates would declare to adhere to the principle of a fair election. They would also be made to make a promise to refrain from resorting to violence that would only taint the sacredness of the electoral process.
In Cebu City in the past days, for instance, hundreds of candidates from different barangays responded to calls for the need to sign a covenant for a peaceful election. Good thing, they willingly vowed to follow the election rules.
However, authorities should not be too complacent. Untoward incidents could happen anytime, even in the most peaceful place, in this time when the race for control over the barangay leadership has been cutthroat.
Despite the covenant signing, poll-related incidents still managed to occur. The shooting incident at a miting de avance of a group of candidates in Barangay Inayawan Friday night was just a perfect manifestation that barangay politics is in serious condition.
But as we troop to the polling places tomorrow, it is our hope that peace will dominate the atmosphere. And may those who are capable to serve will emerge triumphant for the good of the barangay.