Another election

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Despite the fact that the Commission on Election had commented against the proposal to hold a special election to determine who will replace the congressman of the Fifth District of Negros Occidental, who died recently, Congress has approved a resolution declaring the vacancy, and approving the conduct of the polls in the area.

In its reasons against the holding of a special election, the Comelec had cited the fact that regular elections are scheduled in May, 2013, which is just a little more than a year from now. Also, registration for that election is already starting, and this may complicate matters as far as the district is concerned.

It also pointed out that the holding of such an exercise will cost no less than P10 million.

The latest information from the Comelec is that the election for the new congressman will be held on June 2, this year. So a flurry of preparations will soon take place, with both residents and other officials in the towns and cities involved also being engrossed and distracted by the campaigning and other political activities related to it, that they will experience twice within a year.

It is somehow puzzling that, despite the suggestions earlier of the House Speaker to name a caretaker for the district who could represent it in Congress in the interim, members of the House went ahead and adopted the resolution to proceed with the election. We do not know the workings of political minds, and also do not know whether a consensus from the constituents of the representative in the district would have been necessary, or practical.

But now that Congress has acted, and Comelec must implement its resolution, we can only sit back and be entertained, or appalled, by all the political tricks and antics that will surely go on.*