Survey in the week of 26 March 2007 show left-of-center political party 'Bayan Muna' ahead in the polls. But the administration counter that polls are more accurate as election date approaches. Despite the government claims, leftist politicians are making a strong comeback. The plight of left leaning politicians like Satur Ocampo seem to indicate an attempt to muzzle the left prior to the coming elections.
The last time the political left showed a strong presence was in the early 1970's prior to the declaration of martial law. But the conditions are now different. Principally the fall of Soviet Union and the rise of capitalism in Eastern Europe and China. So the rising left seem to be countered by underground rightist squads with links to the military. This is seen in a recent study highlighted by human rights organizations. But these reactions seem more an exception rather than the rule.
A possible outcome in the next election is the rise of left-leaning politicians with populist views similar to South America. Latin American countries offer a good example as the Philippines share the same historical and cultural background being former colonies of Spain. Populist leaders now dominate the political scene in Venezuela, Peru, Columbia and Brazil. Is the Philippines headed the same way? This maybe a welcome development in the long run as it moves away from leftist extreme of armed struggle into the more mainstream political arena of elections.
The last time the political left showed a strong presence was in the early 1970's prior to the declaration of martial law. But the conditions are now different. Principally the fall of Soviet Union and the rise of capitalism in Eastern Europe and China. So the rising left seem to be countered by underground rightist squads with links to the military. This is seen in a recent study highlighted by human rights organizations. But these reactions seem more an exception rather than the rule.
A possible outcome in the next election is the rise of left-leaning politicians with populist views similar to South America. Latin American countries offer a good example as the Philippines share the same historical and cultural background being former colonies of Spain. Populist leaders now dominate the political scene in Venezuela, Peru, Columbia and Brazil. Is the Philippines headed the same way? This maybe a welcome development in the long run as it moves away from leftist extreme of armed struggle into the more mainstream political arena of elections.
What do you think?
No comments:
Post a Comment