|
It's
exactly eight days and two Chronicle issues away from D-day,
the deadline for the filing of the certificates of candidacy
for local elective positions, and all political animals here
are going gaga.
To
an ordinary electorate, what's the fuss over the March 29
deadline when a candidate could file his certificate of candidacy
earlier than that?
Unfortunately,
the political arithmetic is not just easy as that.
*
* * * * * *
The
name of the game is being covered with the pertinent election
laws vis a vis with campaigning. It means that as soon as
a candidate files the certificate of candidacy, his political
moves would be limited as he could not yet campaign until
March 30.
A
case in point is yours truly. If we file our certificate of
candidacy earlier than March 29, then we would be forced to
take a leave of absence from column writing sooner than expected.
That goes to all other media practitioners who are entertaining
plans to join the political fray.
Wouldn't
you miss this corner? Ahem.
*
* * * * * * *
In
other words, a candidate who has filed the certificate of
candidacy will be tortured out of stupidity. No handshakes,
distribution of handbills, streamers, posters, speeches, causes
and rallies until Mach 30.
So,
what's the use of filing the certificate of candidacy before
March 29? Making ones self vulnerable to pre-mature campaigning?
That would just ruin your candidacy.
A
wise and veteran candidate - who always run every elections
(worse, without winning even once!) would wait until the deadline
for whatever its worth.
*
* * * * * *
Secondly,
given the political equation in the local level nowadays that
almost every candidate is scrambling for the coveted nomination
by the administration coalition, it's not over until it's
over.
Take
note that Boholano voters are widely known for being pro-administration
during elections. A local politician worth his salt should
take a clue from that voting habit.
Those
who could not be accommodated in the administration ticket
have no choice but to run as opposition candidates.
And
to those candidates who are still undecided as to what political
banner to run with, remember, the clock is ticking. The countdown
has already begun. Good luck!
*
* * * *
For
comments and suggestions, just e-mail to the following e-mail addresses: obiter@boholchronicle.com | 
