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PGMA hails successful conduct of ARMM elections, poll automation

Written by anyajulia on 19 August 2008

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed elation over the peaceful and orderly conduct of this year’s elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) which also marked the successful pilot-testing of poll automation.

The President was particularly pleased with information from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that the political exercise registered a high 80-percent voter turn-out, and was relatively free of violence and complaints.

This is in total contrast to previous elections in the area that were marred with violence, complaints, controversies, and alleged disenfranchisement of voters.

Congratulating the Comelec, the President also congratulated the police and military authorities for their support which made violence almost non-existent; and most importantly the residents of ARMM who, by their active participation, showed that democracy reigns supreme.

The Parish Pastoral for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and other NGOs concerned, were present and monitored the process can attest to the positive results of the exercise.

The “automation of election” is third in the President’s 10-point legacy agenda on socio-economic and political reforms, also known as the Beat-the-Odds program.

We have now seen the future of the Philippine electoral process, and it works, the president said. (PIA/Bohol)

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