Definition of Halalan
In the Philippines, the word ‘halalan’ is a word commonly used to refer to the electoral process or voting. It is the more formal word for the more common term “botohan”.
I suspect that it may actually come from the word Halal which is is an Arabic term designating any object or an action which is permissible to use or engage in, according to Islamic law. It is the opposite of haraam.
While Halal itself is commonly associated with the preparation of food according to Islamic law, it also applies to human behavior, speech communication, clothing, conduct, and manners.
Perhaps when it was first used, Halalan didn’t refer to a process by which a community or society chose its leaders but the formation of a council of sorts where leaders and members of the community decided on certain matters together.
Where do we go? When do we plant? Do we go to war with the other barangay or do we approach them in peace?
In any case, Halalan could have probably also meant that this communal decision making process was considered holy or at least a revered practice.
After all, in most societies, the common good is often considered one of the highest ideals. Even Mayan culture, that demanded human sacrifice, pivoted on the idea that the sacrificial killing of a member of its tribe would be repaid by the gods with a good harvest.
So, in this vein, Halalan rooted in the word Halal could also be possibly connected in meaning with the latin “Vox populi, vox dei”.
0 Responses to “Definition of Halalan”