Obama and the Elections

The victory by landslide of Barack Obama, and the US Presidential Elections, is a standard in itself. The excellence of the US electoral process portrays the exercise of true democracy. You can clearly see how the candidates were reduced to a select few and are voted by the Electoral College. From what I understand, the Electoral College is the presidential electing body in the US. They are composed of electors voted by all US voters, who will in turn elect for them the President and the Vice President.* There maybe flaws in the system that outsiders are not aware of but for US to follow the procedures until today is proof that they are still credible, and that the results in this matter are realistic. The speed in producing the results is notable, too. It protects the country’s presidential electoral standing and provides integrity of the outcome. There is an impression that the longer it takes to produce the results, the higher the chances to corrupt the electoral system thereby yielding an unreliable outcome. A far better example is the electoral system in the Philippines where chances of switching and stealing ballot boxes, switching and replacing ballots, vote buying, and other shocking incidences related to the elections, are inevitable and is accounted to the whole poor electoral system. Electoral fraud is actually a byword in the country. Furthermore, the act of an immediate concession done by John McCain is praiseworthy. He is a man who respects an opponent and accepts defeat graciously. The fair conduct he had shown is an example that has to be followed by other candidates in other countries. In fact, it can be an eye opener to the many candidates in the Philippines who can never let go of a position because of the easy money and power they can have with it. It was not actually because they love to stay for the love of country and their constituents. Still, Filipino politicians have a lot to learn, and a lot to prove. I never doubted Obama’s winning. Most Americans are hungry for change like most Filipinos are. The country cried for new policies and dynamic ideas. McCain’s supporters can look at the whole scenario as a gamble. They may have reasons to doubt the inexperienced champion but it is just fair to let him try and prove himself. America is waiting for a change, with Obama. How can Filipinos not do the same, or at least design a system that is more credible? How come US can do better - from their system to their effort and dedication not to spoil the whole process by cheating? How come they have done it very well for many years? And this is proof that it still is undoubtedly a long way ahead before the Filipinos can witness and experience an untainted electoral system. I hope there is still a chance. *Quick guide: US presidential elections