The first automated polling is underway as millions of Filipinos Monday trooped to their precincts amid deep concerns that violence and cheating could mar the vote. More than 50 million Filipinos are to cast their vote for a new president, vice president, 12 senators, 287 congressmen, and nearly 18,000 provincial and community officials. Glitches with the new vote-counting machines discovered days before elections have raised fears that the results may not be credible. Memory cards from 76,000 machines were recalled days before polls after tests found that they failed to read results accurately. Reconfigured cards were rolled out last minute. Either a failure of the machines or a failure of the people to understand the new system could lead to a disputed result, which could in turn spark political instability and civil unrest. Exposed to the high-technology automated process for the first time, some voters say they have apprehensions. Voting went on smoothly in poll precincts across Manila, while security forces are on alert in violence-prone areas in some provinces.A decisive win will offer a smooth transition of power, and a government with a strong mandate will boost sentiment and raise hopes of better economic performance for the Philippines.The elections commission had embarked on a large scale information campaign to teach voters how to fill up ballots and insert them in the counting machines. School teachers, who traditionally serve as poll inspectors, were trained to implement the new system.Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, incumbent president and herself a candidate for congresswoman in her home province of Pampanga, cast her ballot soon after polls opened.She was the first voter in her precinct, seeking to replace her son Mikey Arroyo in the congress seat. Three other candidates are vying for the post, but Arroyo is eyed to win by a landslide.Arroyo's regime has been marred by allegations of cheating and corruption, and opponents have accused her of holding on to power after two terms as president. Analysts says this election is crucial, with Filipinos hungry for a new leader amid disillusionment with Arroyo's government.
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