THE College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has officially entered the election season. Aspiring student leaders for the A.Y. ‘23-’24 were announced by the Bedan Electoral Committee (BELCOM) last Apr. 5. It is quite alarming because all positions, from Presidency to Level Representatives, only have one candidate running. Essentially, students choosing to abstain is their only rivalry. Last year, the vote quota was unmet; thus, student leaders from the Student Executive Council (SEC) were appointed. This scenario is not out of the possibility during this year’s election. Hence, now more than ever, your votes matter. 

Chairperson of BELCOM, Mariekei Sta. Maria highlighted that the main reason the incumbent SEC leaders were appointed instead of elected was due to the low turnout of voters. Sta. Maria shared that they increased the percentage last year to 30% because, during the election before the pandemic, around 500 students participated. “We thought since pangit din naman na ang baba ng quota natin [tapos] ang dami-daming students ng Beda, we thought na we can gradually increase it,” she said. However, she admitted that the increase was not favorable to them. Hence, the vote quota is reverted back to 20% for this year’s election. 

I asked why the vote quota was unmet during last year’s election, and Sta. Maria shared her two cents on the matter—timing and lack of competition. Last year, the election was held in April. The BELCOM Chairperson deduced that “the majority of the third year students were busy with their thesis, so ang laki ng chunk ng voters na kung sakali magpa-participate that time.” Regarding the lack of competition, I asked her why, in her opinion, only a few students run for student leadership positions. She shared that it might be due to the lack of sense of fulfillment in joining organizations. “What we’re doing is actually a very thankless job. No one really expresses their gratitude [and appreciation] for us kahit na what we’re actually doing is beyond [what is expected of us,] so, I think, people’s interest [has] shifted to focusing more on their academics instead of extracurricular activities,” she said. 

I also asked her how BELCOM could encourage other students to run for student council since this year’s election candidates are mostly in SEC already. Sta. Maria said students should derive inspiration from the student leaders now. “These student leaders, they’re actually students just like us,” she said, and that the only difference is that they were willing to take on the challenge of being student leaders. She added that students should try if they have a “calling for leadership.” 

We tend to forget that we have a voice in how we want our college experience to be, even if we are not the ones who are leading. This is the same regarding local and national elections in the country. The power to change, to get things done, and to leave a mark in history rests in our hands, not the people running for the office. We hold the key in ensuring we elect student leaders who are not only “in it” for the clout, title, or popularity. Student councils are the beacon of hope for students when they feel oppressed by the system. And we deserve leaders who are for students, with students, and by students when the situations call for it.  

When asked for her message to the student body who may be discouraged from voting, Sta. Maria said that despite being entitled to our opinion, “our opinions would have more weight if we actually participated in the election.” 

That’s why let’s make this year’s election a big deal. After all, it is us who these aspiring candidates will serve during their term. Not the other way around. So, if you still think your vote won’t matter—I’m here to tell you that it does, no matter how insignificant you may think it will be. I encourage the first years, second years, and third years to go out and make your voices be heard because you will experience directly how the elected leaders will lead. As for seniors like me, let’s ensure that our juniors will be left in good hands. On May 8-12, exercise your right to vote and be the change you want to see in the CAS community.