What are Gen Z voters looking for in BSKE candidates?

FILIPINO voters have seen the platforms and heard the side of candidates running for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).

Voting precincts and poll watchers are now being readied for the elections that will be held tomorrow, October 30. And by this time, voters probably have candidates in their minds whom they believe will help improve their village and support its people.

But what exactly are the qualities of a leader that will win the hearts of voters, especially Generation Z?

Trustworthy

Among the top characteristics that young voters look for in a candidate who will represent the youth is being trustworthy.

22-year-old student Irene Alabado told republicasia that this quality will help the candidate earn the respect and confidence of their jurisdiction.

“This election is not comparable to a school election, where a candidate is nominated for a position because he is well-known or popular in the barangay,” she said, reminding the candidates.

“If you want to be a leader, your goals should be to improve your barangay, set a good example for everyone, be trustworthy, help the community adapt to the new environment, and serve as a good role model for the younger generation to act morally,” she added.

Grade 12 student Mark Andrei Wency Tapalla also believes that being trustworthy is the most important quality that a leader should possess, stressing that it will help them lead their community better towards progress.

“[T]hey must be true to their words and serve their job with integrity, as well as treat people with compassion, empathy, respect, and consideration,” the 18-year-old student said.

Empathetic

It is also important for a leader to be empathetic with their people, said marketing management student Angela Dominguez.

The 21-year-old voter said she wants a leader who will be “understanding” and “sensitive” to the challenges and aspirations of the youth. She also encouraged candidates to prioritize the needs and aspirations of the whole community.

“Listen to the concerns of your constituents, work towards transparency and accountability, and strive to make positive changes in your local area,” she said.

She emphasized, “Remember that public service is a responsibility, and your actions can have a significant impact on the lives of those you represent.”

For 4th year journalism student Franziel Kyle Maraan, leaders should not just focus on holding a variety of competitions in their towns. She said they should immerse themselves more in programs that will greatly benefit their people. 

“Tinitingnan ko rin po yung track records nila, kung sila ba ay involved sa mga community services, community engagements, talagang bumababa nga ba sila sa masa,” she shared.

According to Maraan, these kinds of initiatives that allow leaders to immerse themselves more in their community will show how capable they are of leading their village.

Consistent

Meanwhile, Alabado believes that a leader should not only be empathetic, but they should also be consistent.

“A candidate who deserves to be elected as a leader in this coming election must know how to get along, not only from the beginning but until the end of their term,” she said.

“In short, hindi ka lang dapat sa umpisa magaling,” she continued.

This is because it is unacceptable for a candidate to neglect their duties after winning the elections, the business administration student added.

“It is like in a relationship, if you court someone, you should stay true to who you were when you first started courting and remain that way all the way through the end. Consistency must be maintained,” Alabado noted.

Problem solver

These young voters are also looking for a leader who has the ability to address the issues in their town that need to be addressed immediately.

They should be “proactive” in finding solutions to problems, according to Dominguez.

But Alabado thinks that leaders should also adopt an open-minded approach to effectively solve the issues and “show determination in overcoming difficulties.”

“It can be helpful to be open-minded and responsive to different ideas and opinions, as this creates equality and ensures that all voices are heard and observed,” she said.

She added that a leader should also possess good organizational and management skills for the implementation of programs and activities in their villages.

Good communicator

Effective communication is key to empowering people, which is why it is vital for a leader to be a good communicator.

“We all know [that] good communication plays a key role in promoting understanding and cooperation among community members and with other people,” said Alabado.

Dominguez, on the other hand, believes that an excellent communicator has also the capacity to listen to the concerns of other people.

She said SK leaders should work collaboratively with the community and other stakeholders to successfully address the pressing issues.

“It’s important for them to listen to the concerns of the youth and involve them in the decision-making process to ensure their voices are heard,” she noted.