Press Release
Political parties responsible for their candidates

16 December 2003 - From 15 December 2003 to 2 January 2004, candidates will file their official certificates of candidacy for the 2004 Elections. During those elections, over 17,000 elective posts will be contested -- from President on down to City and Municipal Mayors, Vice Mayors, and Councilors.

It is the responsibility and duty of political parties to select and field candidates who will serve the best interests of the nation as well as their respective communities. The candidates should be selected on the basis of their capacity to lead, their competence and qualifications, their track record, and their integrity. Voters deserve nothing less.

At the same time, those who make contributions to the campaigns of the political parties and candidates -- including many in the business community-- equally have the responsibility to support only those they believe will serve in the best interest of the nation, to bring development to most of the people and to act for the common good.

It has become all too common to blame voters for the outcome of elections. And yet, the ultimate responsibility lies with the political parties which select and proclaim their candidates. We call on the political parties, campaign supporters, and campaign financiers to act responsibility for the good of the country.

The elections in 2004 are too important for the future of this country to ignore this responsibility.