Fewer candidates for local posts in 2013

MANILA, Philippines – Expect to see fewer candidates in this year’s local elections, the campaign period for which will officially start Friday, March 29.

The number of candidates for 2013 is, in fact, the lowest in 3 elections.

Data from the Commission on Elections show that for the major positions of governor, vice governor, congressman, and mayor, there are an average of 2-3 competitors for every seat available.

 

The number of candidates for most local positions has decreased from 2010 and 2007.

For 2013, there are 202 candidates for governor, compared to 291 in 2010, and 239 in 2007.

There are 191 bets for vice governor now, down from 241 in 2010, and 203 in 2007.

The 630 running for congressman this year are fewer compared to the 798 in 2010, and the 700 in 2007.

The drop in the number of congressional candidates is worth noting, since 4 new districts were created before the 2013 polls and should have encouraged additional aspirants.

This year’s 3,708 aspirants for city and municipal mayors are less than the 4,534 in 2010, and the 4,108 in 2007.

Note that 2010 was a presidential election, which can explain why more local politicians were confident  to seek posts, compared to the midterm polls before and after that. During presidential elections, local bets have national standard bearers to hinge their campaigns on both strategically and financially. – Rappler.com