Special elections successful

MANILA, Philippines –  Save for minor hitches, yesterday’s special automated elections were successful and orderly, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Voter turnout, however, was reportedly low in Bulacan.

Comelec-Election and Barangay Department (EBAD) director Teofisto Alnas noted that no violent incident was recorded in Bulacan, Basilan and the eight municipalities of Lanao del Sur where the special elections were held.

“We have not monitored any violence. Even in Basilan and Lanao del Sur where peace and order is usually the main concern, we have not received reports of violence or intimidation whatsoever,” Alnas said.

According to Alnas, the results of the special elections would no longer affect the presidency and other national officials who got elected in the last May 2010 elections, although the last two winning party-list groups might be affected.

The Comelec set the special elections to enable voters in the first district of Bulacan to elect their representative for Congress while those from Basilan would elect new provincial members.

Former Bulacan Gov. Roberto Pagdanganan and Marivic Sy-Alvarado, wife of incumbent Bulacan Gov. Wilhemino Alvarado, are battling for a congressional seat in the first district of Bulacan.

Comelec ordered a special election for first district of Bulacan after the Supreme Court nullified the law creating a separate congressional district in Malolos.

Although there were no reports of violent incidents, Alnas admitted that there were minor technical problems that caused slight delays in the conduct of the special elections.

“What we have been receiving were reports of technical problems,” Alnas said.

He said two defective compact flash cards delayed the start of the elections in Bulacan, but this was quickly remedied.

Although the elections were automated, transmission would be done manually and Comelec officials would deliver the results to the municipal board of canvassers after the elections.

– With Dino Balabo