Since tension is usually higher in the local race, the Commission on Elections continues to encourage the signing of peace covenants among candidates.
“Having peace covenants is a good idea because it tells the voting public that those seeking their votes are making efforts to co-exist,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said in an interview.
“There will always exists the probability that the peace covenant is only for the show. But you don’t give up on the possibility that it is also genuine,” Jimenez said.
Before the start of the campaign period for local candidates last Friday, the poll body appealed to local bets to keep their supporters under control.
“We would like to ask our candidates to exercise strict control over their supporters so that they won’t be too rowdy,” said Jimenez.
“As everyone knows, local elections are a little more volatile, more hard fought than national level contests because of the proximity of the contending parties,” he noted.
Poll watchdog group National Citizens Movement for Free Elections urged those who forged peace covenants to honor the agreement.
“Don’t go through the motions or sign a covenant to build up an image. Check intentions and abide by the contents of the covenant you are signing,” said Namfrel Secretary General Eric Alvia. (Leslie Ann Aquino)