Independent or Party: Which is better?
By Georgia

In the case of whether being a member of a political party or going independent, it's hard to say which is really actually better. The candidates we were able to interview for this topic said that they had to sacrifice some serious stuff to be a political party member or an independent, and that it's not that easy whether you're on one side or the other.

Going solo
Probably the main disadvantage for independent candidates while campaigning is in their funds. Independent candidates have to dig deeper in their pockets to equal the campaign quality of political parties. "It's harder because I do not have the resources other candidates have," says Camilo Sabio, "I do not have nice posters like the others…and I found out that those topping the surveys are the ones with the posters."
The good part about being an independent candidate is that campaign rallies don't have to be the usual sing-and-dance shows political parties usually hold. Instead they are able to focus on real issues. This also means smaller crowd and stickier supporters "It has turned out that quality is better-more diehards," says Perfecto Yasay, "and multiplier effect is greater."

Party Animals
"The biggest advantage to being a member of a political party is having ready-made political machinery." says Winnie Monsod of the People Power Coalition, "it will be very hard running a campaign without such machinery and it would cost a lot more." Even other party members who replied to our question said the same. It really is all about the money.
Unfortunately, once you are a member of a political party, you have to deal with other candidates in your party who might have a different stand on positions, or worse, you might not agree with the party's ideals. "A disadvantage might be that you have a greater pressure to toe the line." adds Monsod, "you have to be careful with your statements so as not to deviate too much from the party's position."

So what do you think? Is it better to be an independent and spend more, but be more issue-based, or a party member with the political machinery, but stand for some ideals you don't agree with? Independents and party members who were interviewed for this topic share that they are happy being what they are. They all agree that there are major sacrifices to be independent or a party member, but these don't outweigh the advantages they get.