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| Southeast Asia |
| Opposition Warns of Revolt in Philippines |
| 2004-05-13 |
| The party of opposition presidential hopeful Fernando Poe Jr. warned Wednesday of another "people power" revolt if he's cheated of the presidency - fighting words in a nation where popular protests have knocked two leaders out of office. Polls and surveys showed the count from Monday's election race going in different directions. With both sides coming close to claiming victory after a bitterly fought contest, some kind of confrontation appeared likely. Even though official results aren't expected for weeks, a confident President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo called a Cabinet meeting to start delivering on her campaign promises. A statement from Poe's KNP party said a repeat of "people power" - the mass protests that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 and President Joseph Estrada in 2001 - "will surely come out" if the vote count is tainted with fraud. Arroyo took over for Estrada midway through his term but now is seeking her own six-year presidency. A nationwide survey by a reputable independent pollster has projected that Arroyo will beat challenger Fernando Poe Jr. by 41 percent to 32 percent. But a "quick count" by an officially sanctioned election watchdog group showed Poe ahead 43.7 percent to 33.4 percent. The count covered only 1.8 percent of the precincts. Poe's camp has alleged widespread election irregularities, and he has urged his backers to "remain firm in our belief in the truth that victory is ours." Arroyo's office said she called a Cabinet meeting for Friday to begin "work on her governance agenda." |
| Posted by:Steve White |