Introduction

Introduction/Background of the Study
The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections are considered the two most important grassroots
electoral processes in the Philippines, where people elect community leaders to represent them at the
barangay levels. However, some areas, termed "red spot areas," witness particularly sensitive elections
due to tight security, political rivalries, and the potential for election-related violence. These are the red
spot areas which the authorities target in case these areas can experience some disturbance,
intimidation, or even violence in nature during the election period.
Thus, the BEIs play a very vital role in the conduct of elections as they are assigned to oversee the order
in the actual administration of elections and guarantee the integrity of the elections. However, assigning
them in the red spot areas holds challenges. BEIs in these regions have to ensure not only a free and
transparent election but also the eventual risks associated with political tension, harassments of voters,
or threats of violence. Undeniably, this situation of pressure and stress for election inspectors may link
to the quality of their performance and to the overall outcome of the electoral process.
Considering how important their role and functions are in any given electoral exercise, little research
into the experiences of BEIs was conducted, especially those working in red spot areas. From logistics
challenges to security concerns, to personal stresses, details about such experiences are barely
investigated. This study, therefore, investigates the lived experiences of the BEIs assigned to the red
spot areas during the Barangay and SK elections in terms of how they will manage the responsibilities
amidst the possible risks. It is against this background that this research, based on an understanding of
such experiences, intends to foster insights into the need for an improved election protocol, support for
BEIs in high-risk areas, and ensuring a safe and more effective process for conducting elections in the
future.
Purpose of the Study

It would be worth delving into and understanding the lived experiences of Board of Election Inspectors
who were assigned at identified red spot areas during Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
This specific research shall reveal challenges, risks, and pressures faced by the BEIs in high-risk zones,
plus strategies they use to navigate the election process with potential threats of violence and political
tension. This research, therefore, investigates the adequacy of support systems, emotional and physical
tolls taken on BEIs, and the effectiveness of existing election protocols by assessing personal and
professional experiences. This study will, therefore, be useful in developing and implementing better
policies and practices that cater for the safety, well-being efficiency of BEIs with a focus on high-risk
election areas while ensuring integrity in the election process.
The study has attempted to explore different dimensions of the experiences of BEIs in the various
emotional, physical, and procedural difficulties they go through in such a high-risk environment. This
research thus obtains input from the lived experiences of BEIs for obtaining insights on how election
preparations work, the adequacy of support extended to BEIs, and personal and collective strategies
employed by them in their efforts to deal with such challenging situations. This could be the first step to
improving policies and practices in ensuring that conduct of elections is better in Red Spots in the future,
keeping in view the safety of personnel and the integrity of the process.
Preliminary Literature Review
The literature review emphasizes that election management in high-risk situations is convoluted and
multilevel in complexity. In such contexts, experiences among BEIs become varied based on security
concerns, logistics challenges, and the need for effective coping mechanisms. These experiences can also
be used to develop and improve election management and support mechanisms to finally safeguard a
secure and credible election.
References
 Dizon, J. (2019). Logistical Challenges in High-Risk Election Areas. Philippine Journal of

Political Science, 14(2), 112-128.
 Finkel, S. E. (2005). Civic Education and the Creation of Social Capital. American Political
Science Review, 99(3), 267-282.
 Hernandez, M. (2017). Public Perception and Electoral Integrity: The Impact of Election
Personnel Experiences. Electoral Studies, 49, 253-260.
 Mendoza, R. (2021). Security Measures and Election Management: Improving Safety in
Red Spot Areas. Philippine Law Journal, 35(1), 99-115.
 Philippine Commission on Elections. (2022). Guidelines for Identifying and Managing
Red Spot Areas. Manila: COMELEC.
Objectives:
1. Keeping a Record of Experiences: Recording day-to-day experiences of the BEIs while working in the
red spot areas-including their interactions with voters and other stakeholders.
2. The task of identifying challenges involves defining the exact nature of security challenges, logistic
obstacles, and any other varied problems of voter behavior encountered by BEIs in these high-risk areas.
3. Analyzing Coping Mechanisms: Investigate strategies and coping mechanisms utilized by BEIs with a
view to overcoming and reducing challenges.
4. To Provide Recommendations: Give recommendations on ways in which the BEI support systems and
mechanisms could be improved in order to deal more effectively with future elections, especially in
high-risk areas.
Research Question and Hypothesis
The main research question will be the following:
• What are the lived experiences of Board of Election Inspectors assigned to identified red spot
areas during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the Municipality of Dinas?
Sub-questions:
1. What particular challenges are being experienced by BEIs working in high-risk areas during the
course of the election?
2. How do BEIs manage or cope with the security threats and logistical issues experienced in these
red spot areas?
3. What kinds of supports and resources do the BEIs find to be most useful in furthering their efforts in
the red spot areas?
4. In what ways do experiences within red spot areas create or define the perceptions of the BEIs of the
electoral process, and their place within that process?
Proposed Methods and Procedure
The study will utilize a qualitative research design to explore the lived experiences of Board of Election
Inspectors (BEIs) working in red spot areas. This design is chosen to gain in-depth insights into the
specific challenges, coping mechanisms, and overall experiences of BEIs in these high-risk environments.
This study will employ a qualitative research design to capture the in-depth lived experiences of Board
of Election Inspectors (BEIs) assigned to identified red spot areas during the Barangay and Sangguniang
Kabataan (SK) elections. The qualitative approach will allow for a comprehensive exploration of the
personal and professional challenges faced by BEIs in high-risk environments.

Introduction

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction/Background of the Study

Purpose of the Study

Preliminary Literature Review

 Dizon, J. (2019). Logistical Challenges in High-Risk Election Areas. Philippine Journal of

Research Question and Hypothesis

The main research question will be the following:

You might also like