The day after

The first automated general elections in the Philippines are now winding down — not yet completely concluded, though, because there are still a number of areas that have not yet transmitted their electronic results. By the most significant indications, it was a success, in spite of the technical glitches in many of the PCOS machines and the apparent lack of training for those on the ground.

Yesterday was also generally peaceful, although let’s not forget the Ampatuan massacre in Maguindanao province, and the pockets of election-related violence around the country. It is a fervent hope that future electoral exercises in the Philippines will see zero violence.

What is most markedly different in the 2010 Elections is the speed with which results — and even proclamations — have come in. Truly a success indicator that nobody can refute. I was afraid before the elections that, if it took the Comelec longer than a day to announce results, there would be protest rallies nationwide. Thank God the automation system did actually deliver as promised.

What’s clear, however, is that the AES did not contribute much to the speed of the voting process. Perhaps this is something that the Comelec can look into for future elections.

Well, it would seem that we have a new Chief Executive, judging by the official results that have been released to the public. Sen. Benigno C. Aquino III will most likely be proclaimed the 15th President of the Republic. He will preside over a country that is either on the verge of earnest development or on the edge of a cliff — his leadership for the next six years will decide which.

However, one thing is certain: vigilance should not be abandoned by the Filipino people, no matter who’s residing in Malacañang.