Abstract
This study explores the role of voter education initiatives (VEIs) in promoting sustainable development in the Philippines, specifically through their potential to help the country achieve key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The intervention aims to highlight the importance of institutionalizing VEIs as a strategy for enhancing good governance, political stability, and human development. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of the Philippines’ current struggles with political instability, low SDG rankings, and the need for greater electoral participation and informed voting. Positioned within the fields of political science, public policy, and human development, the intervention draws upon empirical studies and international experiences to emphasize the positive impact of VEIs on democratic systems and socio-economic stability. Using qualitative methods and case studies, the brief examines the processes of VEI implementation, including the challenges faced by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and non-governmental organizations in the Philippines. The results show that while VEIs have had notable success in other countries, their limited application in the Philippines has hindered their full potential. The study concludes that institutionalizing voter education could significantly contribute to improving governance and advancing the SDGs, offering recommendations for legislative action and further empirical research to assess VEI effectiveness in the country.
Presenters
Ma. Josephine Therese Emily TevesAssistant Professor 7, Development Studies Program, Department of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
VEIs, SDGs, PHILIPPINES, GOVERNANCE, ELECTIONS, DEVELOPMENT
