ELECTIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES 1986-87

In: Electoral studies: an international journal, Band 7, Heft 1, S. 79-81

Abstract

THE RESULT APPEARS TO BE AN OVERWHELMING VICTORY FOR PRESIDENT AQUINO AND HER SUPPORTERS, ACROSS THE NATION (WITH THE EXCEPTION OF REGIONS I AND II, THE STRONGHOLDS OF MARCOS AND ENRILE). ALLIANCES AND ALLEGIANCES REMAIN FLUID, HOWEVER, AND ONCE CONGRESS BEGINS TO TACKLE SOME OF THE CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES BEFORE IT-LAND REFORM, MEASURES TO ACHIEVE ECONOMIC RECOVERY, THE COMMUNIST INSURGENCY, REGIONAL AUTONOMY IN THE MUSLIM SOUTH AND THE NORTHERN CORDILLERAS, TO MENTION A FEW-THESE CLEAVAGES MAY CHANGE. (SINCE THIS PAPER WAS FIRST DRAFTED ONE MAJOR SHIFT HAS BEEN THE RESIGNATION OF VICE-PRESIDENT LAUREL FROM THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO AND HIS MOVEMENT ACROSS TO THE OPPOSITION.) MOREOVER LEFT-WING CRITICS OF THE GOVERNMENT POINT TO THE PERSISTENCE OF POWERFUL FAMILY INTERESTS IN THE NEW CONGRESS AND ARGUE THAT THE CHANGE OF REGIME HAS DONE NOTHING TO RESOLVE THE FUNDAMENTAL INEQUALITIES IN PHILIPPINE SOCIETY; FOR THEM, REVOLUTION REMAINS THE ONLY SOLUTION. BEYOND THIS, LOCAL ELECTIONS (FOR SOME 1,900 GOVERNORS, MAYORS AND OTHER LOCAL OFFICIALS) ARE SCHEDULED FOR EARLY 1988, AND WILL FURTHER TEST THE EXTENT OF PRESIDENT AQUINO'S SUPPORT AND ULTIMATELY HER ABILITY TO CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.