Heavily armed soldiers guard ballot counting

Heavily armed soldiers guard ballot counting

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Mindanao: Police officers and soldiers carrying high-powered firearms were on guard at a gymnasium and other tabulation centres yesterday at the Marawi City National High School and the People's Park.

The security operation was set up to protect teachers who were inside counting ballots from special elections held in 13 towns in Lanao del Sur, southern Philippines last Sunday.

An estimated 100 teachers marked the tabulation sheets, keenly watched by candidates, poll watchers, teachers, and volunteers of election watchdogs. Relatives and supporters of the candidates were prevented from entering the gym to prevent clashes, a police officer said.

Results of the senatorial elections in Lanao del Sur were expected to be a referendum on President Gloria Arroyo.

Candidates of the ruling party for local government units and for the House of Representatives were expected to win.

Lanao del Sur's special elections were held for the third time in a very unusual manner last Sunday. Voting was held in a public market and in two public schools.

High turnout

A joint police and military contingency carried assault rifles as they held ballots to voters during the polls. They applied indelible ink on the fingers of voters and military helicopters flew overhead.

A high turnout, estimated at 75 per cent, surprised sceptical election watchers.

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