GUIDELINES for Election Consciousness Week
We have so many things to celebrate as a nation. One reason is able to freely choose our leaders. Everyone has the right to vote – rich or poor, educated or not literate, male or female. So let our election have more meaning by participating in the Election Consciousness Week.
What Can Churches Do?
PRAY. Let us lift up our candidates, the voters, COMELEC and other participants so that we can have a peaceful, credible and honest election. Let us do this during our Wednesday prayer meeting, or call for a prayer day or say a prayer each day of this week. You can organize prayer warriors for the entire campaign period and election day. If you want a prayer guide, contact CCGG at 911-3857.
DISCUSS ELECTION IN THE LIGHT OF GOD’S WORD. Pastors, educate your congregation on Biblical principles of election and good governance. In your bible study or cell groups, study on what God has to say about elections. If you need a bible study guide, contact ISACC.
SPONSOR A CANDIDATES FORUM. Get to know more about your candidates, determine if they have the necessary qualification to run for office. Remember whoever our leaders they will have effect on our daily lives. If you are interested to sponsor one, here are simple steps:
- Invite all candidates in a forum. Let each one introduce themselves their educational or employment background. Ask them on their platform of governance.
- Deliberate the candidates according to a set of criteria. We got have standard for our leaders in the barangay. Make your standards known to the candidates. You may use VOTERIGHT of Campus Crusade or 5K of CCGG as guide.
- Make the candidates accountable. Tell the candidates that once they are in office, you will monitor their performance and remi9nd them of their promise to the people.
- Let them make a pact with you. Extract a commitment from the candidates that they will not employ violence and fraud this election.
- Pray for them that they will fulfill their promise during and even after election. Pray that they be truly God’s servant in the political arena.
EDUCATE OTHERS. Serve your community by helping your neighbors be wise and responsible voters. Listen to Tawag ng Karunungan, DZAS 702 for you to be more informed on electoral issues. If you want to an election advocate, training for voter education is offered by CCGG.
HELP CLEAN THE VOTERS LIST. Visit COMELEC office and look into the voters list. If you find names of dead relatives or friends and neighbors who no loner reside in your area, report it to COMELEC Officer. Help our electoral system become credible.
DO NOT SELL YOUR VOTE. Remember you are called to be holy… a salt and light of your barangay. The cash you receive is not worth the possible negative consequences of a corrupt leader who will govern us for at least three years.
BE A PEACEMAKER. Each one of us have the right to choose whom we want to vote. Let us respect each other’s right to avoid division of our churches and conflict in the community. Read the “Guidelines for Church Leaders During Election”. Access http://pusosapuso.webs.com/ website.
GUARD YOUR VOTE. Our study of the word and meaningful deliberation of candidates will not have full meaning if our votes will not be counted. If you are interested with pollwatching, contact One Vote and they will provide you training.
Most of all… GO OUT AND VOTE!