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TURNING POINT: Political Dynasty, Corruption and Poverty

NAAWAN, Misamis Oriental (MindaNews/ 07 December) – Political dynasty is about the ownership and the control in the distribution of power and the economic benefits of a politically defined area. A dynastic family would not allow a competitor in this enterprise and would use all means to entrench itself in power. Electoral posts are thus appropriated to members of the family.

Corruption is the guiding spirit of politics and governance in the area. The dynasty to remain in power shoos away opponents from political contests either by allocating to them lower posts or  in buying them out. In some cases the family will install a pseudo opposition just to have a semblance of democracy in their turf. If some guys refused to yield and would still contest the dynasty, then the ultimate move is to buy the voters.

In some cases, not only the voters would be bought but the election officials as well that oversee the electoral contests.

In some wild hotspots in the country, political dynasties maintain an army of goons to tip the electoral contests to their advantage by harassment or liquidation of political opponents and followers.

The rise and entrenchment of political dynasty is one of the hazards in adopting a federal system of government. This is inevitable in the current condition of the country where regions or areas to constitute member federal states are economically and politically uneven.

The economically and/or politically disadvantaged federal states are likely to be taken over by corrupt powerful families and thus will become poorer than ever.

Indeed, under the present circumstances, a federal system of government will make the rich richer and the poor poorer. This imbalance and social injustice threatens gravely the peace and security of the nation.

(MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. William R. Adan, Ph.D., is retired professor and former chancellor of Mindanao State University at Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines)

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