Elections in the Philippines are often described as lively, colourful, and deeply personal. Streets come alive with posters and campaign jingles, candidates host concerts and feeding programs, and voters enthusiastically engage in political debates — often on social media or over a cup of coffee. For many Filipinos, the election season is not just a civic duty but a cultural experience.
But how do elections in the Philippines compare to those in other countries? For Filipinos who haven’t seen how voting works abroad, this article explores the contrasts in election processes, voting culture, and civic engagement — and identifies what lessons we might learn from others.
How other countries run their elections
While the Philippines uses automated vote-counting machines (VCMs), the broader system remains manual in many aspects, from ballot distribution to election returns. Voters shade ovals beside candidate names on paper ballots, which are then scanned. This system, though more efficient than the old hand-counting method, still faces criticism for delayed results, transmission failures, and the potential for tampering.
In contrast, other countries employ a wide range of systems — from compulsory voting to mail-in ballots, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
| Country | System Type | Voting Method | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | Presidential | Manual ballot + VCM | Non-compulsory, votes every 3 years |
| Australia | Parliamentary | Preferential voting | Compulsory; fines for not voting |
| United States | Presidential (Federal) | Mixed (electronic, mail-in) | Electoral College system |
| Japan | Parliamentary | Written ballots | Quiet, rule-bound campaigns |
| Sweden | Parliamentary | Pre-printed ballots | Early voting, high civic trust |
For instance, in Australia, citizens are legally required to vote. Failing to do so without a valid excuse can result in a fine. This policy ensures high voter turnout — often above 90% in recent years. In Japan and Sweden, voting is optional, but the culture of civic responsibility drives consistent engagement.
Campaign culture: a Festival vs. formality
Perhaps the most striking difference between elections in the Philippines and elsewhere lies in the campaign atmosphere. In the Philippines, campaigns resemble community fiestas. Celebrities endorse candidates, motorcades cause traffic jams, and campaign rallies draw thousands with the promise of entertainment and giveaways.
By contrast, campaigns in many countries are highly regulated. In Japan, a new election law revision was proposed to prevent candidates from misusing campaign poster spaces for commercial ads, ensuring electoral dignity and accountability. They must follow noise restrictions and can only campaign during set hours.
Campaigning is quiet, formal, and focused on printed materials and face-to-face dialogues. In Sweden, election campaigns are regulated by the Swedish Election Authority to ensure fairness and transparency.
Political parties engage voters through media, public debates, and digital platforms, with strict rules on campaign financing to maintain equity among parties.
In the UK and Germany, political advertisements on TV and radio are either banned or strictly limited, helping to level the playing field and reduce the influence of money in politics. Campaigns are typically policy-focused, with public debates, interviews, and manifestos taking centre stage.
Personality vs. platforms
In the Philippines, many candidates succeed due to personal popularity rather than clear, well-communicated platforms. It’s not uncommon for celebrities and political dynasties to dominate ballots. Voters often cast their votes based on name recall or emotional connection rather than policy alignment.
Meanwhile, countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada put a premium on televised debates and detailed policy discussions. These debates give voters insight into a candidate’s knowledge, demeanour, and ability to think under pressure — elements that go beyond charisma or celebrity status.
In Australia and Germany, voting often aligns with party ideology. Voters support parties with consistent policy positions rather than shifting allegiances based on personal appeal. The emphasis is on governance and performance, not entertainment or family legacy.
Voter education and participation
The Philippines boasts commendable voter turnout, especially during presidential elections. But despite high numbers, the quality of participation remains a concern. Vote-buying, misinformation, and last-minute decision-making are still common, particularly in rural areas. Voter education campaigns exist but often struggle to reach the grassroots effectively.
In contrast, countries like Sweden integrate civic education into their school curricula. Young people grow up understanding how their government works and why voting matters. Early and absentee voting is available to ensure that all eligible citizens have a chance to participate, even if they are abroad or unable to reach polling stations.
In the United States, while voter turnout is significantly lower — hovering around 60% during presidential elections — the infrastructure for early voting, absentee voting, and voter registration is extensive. However, the U.S. faces challenges in voter suppression laws and political polarisation.
What can the Philippines learn from other countries’ election process?
The Filipino passion for democracy is not in question. The energy during elections is admirable — and voter turnout is something many countries envy. But to mature as a democracy, several reforms and cultural shifts may be necessary:
Institutionalise voter education. Integrate civic responsibility into school curricula. Equip voters to analyse platforms, track political records, and fact-check information. This would instill the value of each vote among young students long before they are even eligible to cast their vote.
Enforce campaign regulations. There are laws the restrict certain election period activities, but the level of implementation needs improvement. This includes provisions to limit excessive noise, litter, and spending, among others. Reduce campaign periods and focus on policy presentations rather than performances.
Tackle vote-buying aggressively. While this is sadly rampant during election periods, there is visibility on vote buying laws being implemented in the Philippines. There is a need to improve law enforcement and community accountability. Encourage voters to reject handouts in favour of integrity.
Although there is a law that lacks implementation, educated voters who have zeal and love for the country are also more mature and will deliberately ignore candidates with ulterior motives.
Explore compulsory voting. While controversial, mandatory voting ensures broader representation and civic responsibility. It also diminishes the impact of vote buying.
Improve voting access. Consider expanding early voting, online registration, and mail-in ballots — especially for Filipinos working overseas or in remote provinces.
Conclusion
Elections are an expression of democracy — and in the Philippines, they’re also a reflection of the national character: passionate, expressive, and social. This
But as we compare our systems with those of other nations, we find opportunities to refine our process. We can keep the passion, but elevate the method — from noisy to informed, from transactional to transformative.
After all, true democracy is more about the freedom to choose wisely more than just the freedom to vote.