MILF adopts hands-off policy for May 2010 polls

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has adopted a hands-off policy on the May 2010 elections, instructing its political and military leaders to boycott the exercise. In a memorandum order signed by deputy chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar, the MILF stressed a "No Participation/Hands Off" policy on the May polls. "You are hereby directed to abide by the provisions of this Memorandum banning all political and military officers of the MILF in all levels to participate in the 2010 national and local elections. This so-called democratic system of choosing leaders is not only divisive and acrimonious and creates animosities and intrigues, but it also failed miserably to produce the best and qualified people to lead the people," the memorandum order read. "In this regard, you are hereby specifically prohibited to participate in political campaigns and/or rallies, to deliver campaign speeches on stage during campaigns/rallies, to solicit campaign funds, and to allow candidate/s to use one’s vehicles during the election period," it added. Anyone caught violating this memorandum will be dealt with accordingly under the MILF judicial system, the memo said. Excerpts of the order, which according to the MILF, was signed on Dec. 29 but released only this Monday, were posted on the MILF Website. Also, the MILF said the hands-off approach in the 2010 polls has been a standing policy, adding that while the directive applies to officials and not its civilian supporters, the latter are "not encouraged" to vote. "Ordinary members of the MILF are not covered by the ban, although they are not encouraged to vote for the same reason spelled out in the order," the MILF said. Jaafar noted that in elections, those with “gold, guns, and goons" usually get elected and the consequence, he said, "a corrupt and strife-torn society is in place." In the past, MILF leaders were suspended from their positions due to election-related activities. "Most if not all, however, were reinstated or transferred to similar assignments after rectifying their errors," the memo said without elaborating on the issue. However, it added that minor offenders were required to attend orientation programs to make them understand why the MILF banned participation in Philippine elections. - LBG, GMANews.TV