by Renee Tolentino

As people shade their ballots, they write their future. 

Election results may reflect who won; however, poll surveys and public opinion come into the picture to answer other equally significant questions: the how and the why. Considering the recently concluded elections and the accompanying poll surveys that preceded them, it can be seen that most voters choose who will govern them, but not necessarily how they will be governed. 

Even before the 2022 Elections, the “preference of the masses” had already been heard, tested, and perhaps, decided through election polls.

Election polls are the initial stepping stones in declaring the future of the country. Part of the people’s right to democracy is to be given a platform for them to voice their opinion and stand. It is also a crucial facet in obtaining a grasp of what the future may hold, specifically in the sense of determining the next administration. Albeit having polls exhibit the results of what the majority wants, this is not always the prevailing case. A myriad of questions appear the moment election polls are released, particularly when the results are the opposite of what they believe to be true. In instances such as this, truth is relative.

Polls and Public Opinions

Polls and surveys are critical elements of the elections, but uncertainty sure is an added ingredient as these can be perceived as bullets disguised as sample ballots hitting people with mind conditioning data and manipulation.

In the Philippines, the Pulse Asia surveys have been the mainstream election polls that capture the subject of interest amongst people and media. It conducts the survey through face-to-face interviews based on a sample size of 2,400 representative adults. It covers extensive geographic areas such as Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 

The partial and unofficial count of the election results, even just on the first day, had already showcased its apparent similarity with the Pulse Asia survey results. Further, even the senatorial race depicts the parallel results between surveys and the election itself.

Aside from the Pulse Asia surveys, local universities and colleges also conducted their own set of polls to gauge opinions from the voice of students and youth. However, contrary to what the surveys have concluded, most university surveys were in favor of a different tandem. This evident contrast unveils the fact that different sectors of society have different stances, and perhaps standards with regard to the positions at stake. 

Do these polls tell the outcome?

Given that the 2,400 sample size does not reach even 1% of the total 65.7 million registered voters, election poll results can be labeled insufficient in declaring the outcome. 

However, this small percentage of people reflects the majority of the public’s preference as it reflects the voice of the masses in many considerations. It is noteworthy, though, that public opinion may always change as it is dynamic and ever-changing. 

Statistics and/or Principle?

In view of everything, the main question is still left unanswered: Do polls indeed reflect the “preference of the masses” or is this “preference” a mere influence of the polls? Whatever the case is, it is significant to understand that whatever the denouement may be, a voter’s preference should always be based on a standard that takes into account the benefit of the country. 

Beyond election polls and surveys, voters should be able to determine the sole standard of deciding what circle on the ballot should be shaded: to vote for principle. 

These polls and surveys may serve as manipulation bullets implanted in the minds of people to sway them on who to vote for. It is always up to the individual to discern how to look through the presented data en dépit having possible anomalies. Results from the polls and surveys may not be the main factor in the decision, but it sure is a weapon. 

The ever-changing “preference of the masses” does not stop in mere polls and surveys. It continues and extends on the streets of public opinion and stances. Democracy serves the people the right to decide, discern, and defend their own standpoint, even beyond the mainstream polls.