Dysfunctional

FIRST PERSON

- ALEX MAGNO

Our electoral system is dysfunctional. Deep inside, we know that, although we are reluctant to examine why it failed and why it can no longer be redeemed. We go through the motions of holding elections even if we realize they will not save us. Some tragedies are so utterly irredeemable it has become pointless to even speak about them. The 1987 Constitution that so corrupted our version of electoral democracy also makes constitutional reforms impossible. An irremediable charter is itself a form of tyranny our people bear.

Nor can we rely on our legislative process to rescue electoral democracy for us. The pattern of district representation we maintained since we became a republic is responsible for inhibiting our modernization. All national budgets are designed to break up our already scarce funds for capital expenditure and distribute the monies to little kingdoms maintained by political lords.

We cannot expect our Congress to enact strong legislation against political dynasties. This branch of government is entirely under the control of dynasts.

Nor can we expect to design the Senate out of existence. This chamber has become a zoo. But it will fight any effort at redesigning the way we do government.

Nevertheless, there are enough wild-eyed idealists who choose to hope against the odds. They think small reforms could be won through the electoral process. Those of us who have observed too many elections in this country are convinced voting changes nothing.

In one of the discussion groups I participate in, I was informed about how Singapore came around to choosing Lawrence Wong as the fourth prime minister of this wealthy city-state.