PROMOTING POLITICAL IDENTITY: AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS IN WINNING THE ELECTION
Abstract
The study was conducted to analyze and assess the requirements for the election campaign process of a politician in winning an election. How do candidates for elective positions execute plans for victorious political pursuit? The study covered the 4th District of Bulacan that includes the Municipalities of Sta. Maria, Marilao, Obando, and the City of Meycauayan. Respondents of the study include the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Councilors, Barangay Captain and Councilman. A total of six hundred eight (608) respondents were elected officials who participated in the study. The mixed method of research was used utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches in securing the responses of the study. The study revealed that the most effective plan in winning an election included the following: house-to-house campaign remains the predominant approach followed by meeting sorties after the house-to-house campaign. Targeting of the voters also served as a good plan. Caucus, meeting and attending to weddings, the baptismal celebration also was included in the actions taken by aspiring candidates. Political affiliations are not so much given merits. What makes them decide to run for a political position revealed personal decision to run was the highest points, followed by family, group, and political decision. Furthermore, the study revealed that family affiliations appeared the highest factor to win an election. Concerning funds, personal funds are followed by contribution, affiliated group, and the political party that comes in political findings. Fund allocations go to posters and flyers, food, transportation, election staff, and equipment expenses where funds are allocated. The study revealed that no vote-buying was revealed. Election watcher was the highest numbers of workers considered in the study. The study confirmed that the traditional strategy of the house-to-house campaign remained the political approach in winning an election and a caucus afterward followed by meeting with different groups where the best strategies to win an election. The problems and issues during the election include the group demanding foods and liquors during the house-to-house campaign; wearing of uniforms during the campaign and election time; giving of donation during the campaign period due to fiesta and basketball event and poster’s of the candidate during and before the election campaign. Further, it was found out that family name with political history remains a big factor for recall in winning an election and it is an essential to political identity a bigger factor for winning an election. The study recommended the following steps or procedures to win an election: determine the political position and requirements of the laws before running, the need for a political planner is a must to plan and execute the campaign; review the political landscape together with a survey in the election, and targetting of voters to determine the needed number to win. The last recommendation is a proposal for a political campaign manual that highlights the step by-step guide in winning an election. These include the following: (1) awareness of the election rules and guidelines, (2) assessment of the political landscape, (3) campaign goal settings, (4) targeting of voters, (5) formulation of an effective campaign message, (6) development of voters contact plan, (7) campaign and election staffing, (8) funding, (9) development of the campaign and election plans, programs and activities, (10) implementation and (11) post-election assessment.
