Youth Presidential Picks: Insights from BSU Students’ 2022 Election Choices

An examination of the voting determinants of the BSU students is crucial in understanding the elements that influenced their presidential choice during the 2022 Philippine national elections. Knowledge of these elements gives insights on how the socio educational environment influence the students’ political behavior. This exploratory study sought to assess BSU students’ perspectives on gender as a factor in leadership selection, investigate the criteria they used in choosing their candidate, and identify the influences that affected their decision to vote for a specific presidential candidate. It used multi-strategy research design where the primary data gathering tool were essay scripts of students. Findings revealed that students considered leadership traits and acts of service towards the governed over gender in choosing a leader; family and educational background, leadership qualities, platforms of governance, recognized experience and track record, and campaign message and behaviors were bases of students in selecting a candidate to vote; and the students’ voting behavior is a product of the interplay of influences from family, friends, church, and social media.