Expect a more festive atmosphere when the campaign period for local candidates in the May 13, 2019 midterm polls starts today.
Commission on Elections spokesman James Jimenez said they expect the campaign activities of local candidates to be noisier than national candidates with only 45 days left before the elections.
“But with the start of the campaign period, it will surely be more festive and it is about to get noisier. That’s a certainty,” he said.
If candidates engaged in premature campaigning by using posters and tarpaulins because they are cheaper, Jimenez said this time, they would now have bands and sound systems. “The bands and sound system are more expensive kinds so they will really withhold it until the actual campaign period…these have massive impact but has short retention,” he said.
And with the start of the local campaign period, the Comelec asked the candidates to keep their campaigns clean and peaceful.
“We remind the candidates to please to keep the campaigns clean. Like literally clean because the tendency of local campaign is to leave trash behind whenever they would hold political rallies. So they would leave water bottles, styro packs, and things like that. It adds an incredible load to the garbage already being dealt by the city,” said Jimenez.
“I would like to remind candidates to also keep a close reign on their supporters. We all know local elections could be rowdy. They could be unruly so it’s important for supporters to be orderly sa kanilang pagiikot sa mga daan daan especially in the cities,” he added.
The poll official also asked candidates to be considerate of the local communities. Jimenez said this is especially for candidates who love holding rallies at 4 a.m. or 5 a.m.
“So while it is a risk these candidates will not alienate voters this way, nevertheless it is incredibly inconsiderate. We would ask the candidates themselves to take the initiative to campaign considerately,” he said.
The Comelec reminded the local candidates to follow campaign rules. The campaign period for local candidates ends May 11.
Local bets are those running for the House of Representatives, as well as elective provincial, city, and municipal officials. (Leslie Ann G. Aquino)