In a remote village deep in the Philippine countryside, the air was festive. Men and women dressed in their finest clothes, some with neatly combed hair, others with bright lipstick, all beaming with anticipation. It was election day—not the kind dictated by the reactionary state, but one rooted in the collective governance of the people. In this revolutionary stronghold, the masses themselves would select the leaders of their local government, a testament to the true exercise of democracy.

For years, the conduct of elections in guerrilla zones has been likened to a town fiesta, not because of extravagant feasts, but due to the sense of unity and determination among the people. This is no ordinary voting exercise—it signifies the strengthening of the masses’ political power through the establishment of a Barrio Revolutionary Council (BRC). The BRC, a grassroots governing body, embodies the masses’ ability to govern their own affairs, marking a significant step in the expansion of the revolutionary movement.

In a region in the Visayas, Ka Indo, a Party cadre, recalls the excitement of election day. At the polling place—a large tent set up in an open space—blackboards lined the area, displaying the names of nominees for the final tally of votes. A portable projector flashed the candidates’ names on a screen for all to see, an innovation dubbed the “computerized elections ala NPA.”

Voters came from different sitios, most of them members of revolutionary mass organizations of peasants, women, and youth. Even non-members who supported the revolution were welcome to cast their votes. The process was simple yet methodical. The masses nominated trusted community leaders, ensuring that those elected had a proven record of service. No campaign materials, no paid endorsements, just the genuine trust of the people. Voting was conducted via secret ballot, and each sector—revolutionary organizations, middle forces, and Party members—was allocated equal representation in the BRC. The minimum voting age was set at 15, allowing the youth to actively participate in governance.

Unlike reactionary elections plagued with vote-buying, fraud, and intimidation, revolutionary elections are lauded by the people as the cleanest and most transparent. “Lahat pwedeng magbantay, magmonitor sa panahon ng eleksyon pati na sa pagbibilang ng resulta (Everyone can observe and monitor the elections and vote counting),” said Ka Indo. No election protests, no coercion—just the genuine selection of leaders based on merit and service.

Members of the New People’s Army (NPA) play a vital role as impartial facilitators, trusted by the masses to ensure fairness. Some illiterate or elderly voters even preferred NPA members to assist them with their ballots instead of family members, highlighting the people’s trust in the revolutionary army.

The establishment of Barrio Revolutionary Councils across the country is a glimpse into the future—an indication of the People’s Democratic Republic of the Philippines in the making. The revolutionary elections, rooted in the collective strength and unity of the people, serve as a stark contrast to the corrupt and coercive polls of the reactionary state. Indeed, in these hidden corners of the countryside, the seeds of genuine democracy are taking root, growing stronger with each election cycle.