means by which people choose their officials for

definite and fixed periods and to whom they entrust, for the time

being as their representatives, the exercise of powers of

government.

the submission of a law by the national or local

legislative to the voting citizens of a country for their ratification.

the vote of the people .expressing their choice for or

against a proposed law or enactment submitted to them

the process whereby the people directly propose and

enact laws

method by which a public officer may be removed from

office during his tenure or before the expiration of his term by a

vote of the people after registration of a petition signed by a

required percentage of voters.

may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines, not otherwise

disqualified by law, who are at least 18 years of age and who shall have resided in

the Philippines for at least one year and in the place wherein they

propose to vote for at least 6 months

immediately preceding the election.

and administer all laws and regulations

relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite,

initiative, referendum, and recall.

exclusive original jurisdiction

over all contests relating to the elections, returns,

and qualifications of all elective regional, provincial,

and city officials, and appellate jurisdiction over all

contests involving elective municipal officials decided by trial

courts of general jurisdiction, or involving elective barangay officials

decided by trial courts of limited jurisdiction.

final orders, or rulings of the Commission on election

contests involving elective municipal and barangay offices shall be

final, executory, and not appealable.

except those involving the right to vote, all questions

affecting elections, including determination of the number and

location of polling places, appointment of election officials and

inspectors, and registration of voters.