Generation Z’s Preferred Platforms of Philippine Presidentiables

AUTHOR(S)

ESTER Y. LAPUT GRESSA MAY R. ESTRADA XHYE FAITH P. FABREA CLETHEMY A. MAMINTAS

ABSTRACT

——The election process is critical to a nation’s growth because it serves to select competent government representatives to address the country’s concerns. The decisions made by the next generation of voters considerably impact the election of future qualified authorities. This study aims to investigate the impact of voting preferences of Generation Z voters and analyze the attributes of Philippine presidential candidates in terms of their platforms. The study uses Rational Choice Theory to investigate voting behaviors and the decision-making process of Generation Z voters while selecting among available political candidates based on their platform offerings. Respondents were presented with various political platforms that addressed problems critical to the country’s progress. The findings suggest that political platforms representing candidates’ competencies are more important to Generation Z voters. Notably, most of the college-educated respondents had distinct preferences and increased interest in the platforms given by presidential contenders. They had higher expectations for the candidates’ platforms, emphasizing their proposed answers and national improvement objectives. The study highlights the importance of political candidate traits, particularly their platforms, in influencing Generation Z voters’ voting preferences. The discriminating nature of this demographic’s college students underlines their emphasis on candidates’ competencies and hopes for a better future for the country. These insights into Generation Z voters’ preferences have significance for future political campaigns and the Philippine electoral environment. Keywords — Generation Z Voters, Voting Preferences, Presidential Candidates’ Platforms, Political Platforms.