Digital vote-buying will challenge weak democracies

Significance

In August, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) warned that online banking and electronic wallets -- the use of which has surged during the pandemic -- will be prime vehicles for digital vote-buying.

Impacts

• Digital vote-buying will strengthen regional political clans, which are often the conduit for vote-buying in rural areas.
• Foreign influencer campaigns could become more disruptive with digital vote-buying.
• Fintech firms in fragile democracies could face tighter regulation on transparency and Know Your Customer rules.