When Democracy Rules the Ballot
by Hanch Daniel Ong
In every election season, colorful political banners and catchy campaign songs are ever-evident, and as the KASAMA/SSC elections draw near, aspiring candidates form allegiance with people who share the same political values and persuade the student body to vote for them. Countless preparations are seen here and there: with polished speeches, relatable backstories, and impressive plans and advocacies, they carry a bright plan for the school. However, are these plans enough to secure them a position in the school government?
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In a national sense, elections in general for the past years can be seen to be primarily based on popularity and mere friendship or connections. Situations where people turn a blind eye to deserving candidates because they don’t have well-known names or a vast network of connections are also common. But looking at the state of the nation where people protest and demand for good governance, hopes are high for the students to carry the same girth and spirit in choosing rightful leaders even in the university. Because if the students only concern themselves with mere demands and not put it into actions — in this case, voting during the elections — then the cycle of bad governance will continue to prevail. So, who do you think holds the power?
A candidate may craft the most persuasive speech, write the catchiest campaign song, or present themselves in the most perfect way possible, but without the support of the people, their relevance ceases to exist. The ballot decides their fate; it is the vessel of the people’s collective will, carrying their hopes for good governance. A ballot is not just an insignificant piece of paper — it is an opportunity for voices to be heard, for choices to be seen, and for representation to be secured inside and beyond the school walls.
Leadership is not a role handed down through popularity, connections, or trends. It is a responsibility entrusted to those who lead with sincerity and dedication. When power falls into unworthy or careless hands, democracy weakens. But when the people exercise their rights with discernment, democracy is strengthened and given justice.
As voters, we hold the authority to entrust leadership to the rightful candidates in hopes that power is used not for the few, but for the many. Each hand that rules the ballot is the same hand that decides the outcome of the election and the future of the university. So let us not take this lightly. Instead, let us wield our power with conviction.
Leaders may be elected, but democracy will never be taken away from the hands of the people. This election, know that power does not belong to those who aspire to govern, but to those who decide who governs that power.●
