Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Fides Service) - Violence was present, despite a non-violence campaign launched by civil society and the local Catholic Church - in elections held 14 May throughout the country. Over 45 million voted to elect parliament (Senate and House of representatives) and numerous local administrations 81 provincial governments, 118 municipal administrations.
No less that 126 people were killed in 'electoral violence', (58 were politicians), a high number but lower than the total of 189 during elections in 2004. The killings were perpetrated by private paramilitary gangs totally illegal, paid by political groups or individuals without scruples to eliminate adversaries.
Another factor which generates tension is corruption: frequent denouncements of fraud and corruption produce instability and violence. Divisions are registered in relations between opposite political groups and also in the government and army. The Bantay Boto group formed of retired generals denounced certain officers charged with guaranteeing security and transparency of operating for false results in a least 16 provinces in favour of president Arroyo.
Episodes of violence were registered in Mindanao, reportedly by Islamic terrorism and in central Philippines, for the presence of New People Army communist guerrillas.
Election results will be announced next week. Vote counting is monitored by international and local observers like National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections NAFREL and many are priests and religious called in to guarantee honesty and transparency. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/5/2007 righe 26 parole 269)
