31 October 2004
- RSIS
- Publication
- External Publications
- Where on the Road to Democracy is the Philippines
Where on the Road to Democracy is the Philippines
Abstract
Any successfully held elections are usually celebrated – not least for the victory of democracy and for the cause of democratic consolidation in a country. The May 2004 general elections in the Philippines is one such event. It follows too that the period immediately following the election is one of the best times to reflect on the prospects of the newly elected government.
The main objective of this article therefore is to provide a broader perspective of post-election Philippines with particular focus on the on the issue of democratic consolidation in the country.
Although the Philippines has been having general elections every four years, except during the Martial Law regime (1972-1986), the dynamics of the 2004 elections and the slim margin victory of the incumbent, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reflect salient developments that point to some issues with regard to the quality of democratic practices that had prevailed over
time in this country. This brief article therefore essentially wants to address the question of: Where, on the road to democracy, is the Philippines?
Abstract
Any successfully held elections are usually celebrated – not least for the victory of democracy and for the cause of democratic consolidation in a country. The May 2004 general elections in the Philippines is one such event. It follows too that the period immediately following the election is one of the best times to reflect on the prospects of the newly elected government.
The main objective of this article therefore is to provide a broader perspective of post-election Philippines with particular focus on the on the issue of democratic consolidation in the country.
Although the Philippines has been having general elections every four years, except during the Martial Law regime (1972-1986), the dynamics of the 2004 elections and the slim margin victory of the incumbent, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reflect salient developments that point to some issues with regard to the quality of democratic practices that had prevailed over
time in this country. This brief article therefore essentially wants to address the question of: Where, on the road to democracy, is the Philippines?
