JEDDAH, 18 July 2003 — Tears of joy and sadness flowed on Wednesday at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) during a tightly contested Student Council election, which saw at least two protagonists beating their rivals by just a vote.
Sultan Mapandi of the GREAT Party garnered 158 votes to become this school-year’s president, besting the equally popular contender Nathaniel Mounayer of TRUE party, who got 157 votes.
In a reverse manner, Joanna Arpon of the TRUE Party beat Mariciris Rodriguez of GREAT Party, 178-177, to emerge as the council secretary.
The other winners were: Nahla Ibrahim, vice president; Kaye Navarro, treasurer; Shralliah Macalbe, auditor; Mizziel Andres, public relations officer; Najah Bilaran, business manager; Mohammad Tamano and Sondoz Udasan, sergeants-at-arms.
Elected as representatives were: Ramil Dinglasan, 4th year; Faisal Tacsay, 3rd year; Mazen Khayat, 2nd year; Brian Pecson, 1st year; Jintana Yantakosol, Grade 6; and Arnold Nava, Grade 5.
Unaffected by the lingering problems facing their school, the students mounted a spirited campaign typical of a regular Philippine election, but minus the evils of “guns, gold and goons.”
In true Philippine fashion, students named parties after amusing acronyms.
Mapandi’s GREAT party stands for “Group of Realistic and Enthusiastic Achievers of Today.” Mounayer’s TRUE Party means “The Radical Union for Everyone.”
Two other parties were called RIGHT (Real Intelligence of Great Heads Today) and LEAP (Leading Edge to Achievement Party).
In a two-day campaign period, candidates wasted no time in wooing voters, going from room-to-room to meet fellow students, introduce themselves and speak about their platform of government.
The biggest day leading to election was a “miting de avance” held at the school gym. Candidates for president were officially introduced to the students and were given time to speak. After the speeches each party was given time to perform before the students.
It was during the presentation, some teachers believe, that Mapandi turned undecided voters to vote for him, after he delivered a poor speech earlier. His party outshone the others with a well-prepared presentation number, interspersed with songs, dances, and other exciting numbers.
“The general atmosphere of this election is healthy as students themselves are given full freedom to select and elect their leaders,” computer teacher Albert Tenorio said while the campaign was going on.
Acting school principal Mohammed Carlos Issa de Leon said in an interview with Arab News: “I was overwhelmed by the preparations...this is a good training for them. I told the students that politics is the art of good governance and I’m sure that some of them will venture into politics in the future. And because politics is the art of good government, then they must vote for good students.”
Some parents criticized the emerging practice of giving out goodies to attract voters.
“In the past, students distributed candies and chocolates only. This time, they’re even giving out CDs and DVDs,” one parent was overheard saying.
Another parent, Wenfred Castolome, said the students came up with their own campaign gimmick (“kanya-kanyang pakulo lang yan”) but what was more important was making the students aware of the importance of exercising one’s right of suffrage.
“This election is a learning process for students who will someday become leaders in their respective fields,” he added.
Mike Diagao, also a parent, added: “This is the precious time to train and guide our children how to exercise their right of suffrage, in preparation to a much elaborate and tricky election in future.”
Asked what would be his first project as the new student council president, Mapandi thought for a minute and said: “The first thing we will do is to improve the school. We will clean up IPSJ so that it will look like a real school,” he said.
