EDITORIAL - Derailed

Can votes ever be counted with a semblance of order in certain areas of Mindanao? Days after the Commission on Elections announced the likely winner in the presidential race, and with winners in many local contests already proclaimed, the nation is still waiting for the results from the usual trouble spots in Mindanao. Violence, documented on video, has erupted, and accusations of vote buying and cheating are flying in the Lanao provinces and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The only positive news in the ARMM is that key members of the Ampatuan clan who have been indicted for the Maguin-danao massacre appear to be headed for defeat. Meanwhile, the principal targets of the massacre, members of the Mangu-dadatu clan, are winning. The proclamation of winners, however, may have to wait even longer than the proclamation of the new president and vice president.

Now that poll automation has delivered on its promise of quick results, at least in most areas of the country, the Commission on Elections and concerned sectors can start working on improving the credibility of the vote in the conflict areas of Mindanao. The ARMM, particularly the province of Maguindanao, served as the venue for vote-rigging scandals that marred the presidential race in 2004 and the Senate race in 2007.

Lawlessness, the presence of partisan armed goons, and connivance of crooked Comelec officials facilitate vote buying, harassment of voters, and manipulation of election results. This is true in Minda-nao and in other parts of the country. The problems in Mindanao have been known for years and authorities should be prepared with the proper response in the next electoral exercise. Philippine elections cannot be derailed every time by the vote in the trouble spots of Mindanao.