Manila: Nearly 55 million voters have started casting their
ballots in the Philippines’ presidential election that could, for the first
time, propel a politician from the southern island of Mindanao to power.
This could signal a turn away from the policies of President Benigno
Aquino and the political centre in the capital Manila. Polls opened across the
country at 6 AM local time on Monday (22:00 GMT Sunday) and the election
pits frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte, an outspoken mayor from the city of Davao,
against four other contenders. Duerte’s strongest challenger is Grace Poe, a
freshman senator who is weighed down by questions about her previous US
citizenship.
Another candidate Manuel Roxas II, a former senator backed by
current Aquino, is battling anti-establishment sentiment, while Jejomar Binay,
the current vice president, is facing corruption allegations. Senator Miriam
Santiago, a fifth candidate, barely registers in the polls.
Whoever wins the presidency, has to face the reality of a
system of government dominated by political dynasties, including Duterte, who
is a son of a former governor, said Earl Jude Cleope, a professor of history
and education at Silliman University in central Philippines. “If you look at it
now, traditional politics is still at work, and it is still crucial in
delivering the votes for the eventual winner,” Cleope said
Before the polls opened, President Aquino issued a statement
on Sunday calling on Filipinos to exercise their right to vote, while urging a
“peaceful” and “orderly” process reflecting “the spirit of democracy”.
Aside from the race for president and vice president, there
are 18,000 national and local positions being contested in the polls,
attracting the candidacy of 44,000 individuals.
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