Protests after presidential election in the Philippines
Created: 05/10/2022 09:28
A demonstrator protests against the results of the election in the Philippines.
© Aaron Favila/AP/dpa
Decades after the fall of the Marcos regime, the son of the former dictator will probably become the new president.
Human rights activists and students protest against alleged electoral fraud.
MANILA - After the presidential election in the Philippines, hundreds of human rights activists and students demonstrated in front of the office of the Electoral Commission in Manila.
They accused the authority of electoral fraud and do not want to recognize the victory of the dictator's son Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., which was expected after an unofficial count.
According to observers, thousands of citizens were unable to vote in Monday's vote due to malfunctioning vote counting machines.
In some counties, voters waited all night in front of the polling stations to wait for a repair or replacement - mostly in vain.
However, the electoral commission (Comelec) rejected calls for an extension of the vote and emphasized that the number of defective machines affected was very small.
The protesters carried placards that read, among other things: "Comelec, incompetent, prosecute!" and "Fight against electoral fraud".
Many chanted: "The people, the nation are now resisting." The police intervened and broke up the rally.
Official result not yet this week
According to an unofficial count, Marcos Jr. received almost twice as many votes as his closest competitor, opposition leader Leni Robredo.
However, only the Congress (consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives) can announce official results.
This is not expected for a few weeks.
more on the subject
France election starts in overseas territories
Thousands demonstrate against end of abortion law in USA
Quiet May Day demonstration in Berlin: occasional scuffles
However, it is almost certain that the controversial Marcos dynasty will regain power 36 years after being driven out of the island state.
The Marcos regime under Ferdinand (1917-1989) and his wife Imelda (now 92), who was known for her shoe craze, once made a name for themselves with murder, kleptocracy and the disappearance of political opponents without a trace.
The two are said to have diverted billions from the state coffers.
According to the calculations, Vice President will be Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, who is internationally criticized for his tough fight against drug-related crime.
"They both represent the worst type of traditional politics and governance in our nation's history," said human rights group Karapatan.
dpa
