Why noynoy won

Manuel Roxas II, until today, Aquino has held a lead convincing enough to be considered president-elect since a few days after the May 10 election. Though careful not to claim victory, Aquino has started assembling his cabinet and is working with the current administration for a smooth transition.

Aquino comes from one of Asia's most prominent political families, but until the death of his mother in August last year, he says he never planned to run for presidency. With the clamor for him to lead the country growing day after day, he spent a few days at a convent to ask for "God's guidance. Critics and political opponents constantly hit him for his lackluster performance as a three-term congressman and senator, but Aquino banked on his family name, a clean public image, and a strong anti-corruption message.

Everywhere he went, people came out by the thousands. Yellow ribbons, which were a symbol of the mass protests after the assassination of Aquino's father, were everywhere -- on cars, trees, street posts, and houses. During the campaign and after the election he became one of the harshest critics of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whose nine years in office have been hounded by allegations of graft and corruption.

He has pledged to create a commission that will look into these allegations. He will also have to deal with communist and Muslim insurgents, significant social unrest, and an unstable political environment. Arroyo ran for and won a congressional seat, and under Philippine law, she is immune from prosecution while she is in Congress. Were there major problems? Could a successful Philippine election set a trend for the region? A4: The first automated elections in the Philippines reported were relatively efficient, and their success has likely strengthened confidence in the Commission on Elections.

Having said that, at least nine people were killed some reports suggest 10 with up to 12 wounded. It is likely these numbers will increase based on recent history.

There were some technical problems with automated polling. Issues emerged immediately after polls opened with some machines breaking down, and the election commission was forced to extend the voting period by one hour. Note: The U. Harry K. Interested parties may contact SoutheastAsiaProgram csis. Critical Questions is produced by the Center for Strategic and International Studies CSIS , a private, tax-exempt institution focusing on international public policy issues. Its research is nonpartisan and nonproprietary.

CSIS does not take specific policy positions. Accordingly, all views, positions, and conclusions expressed in this publication should be understood to be solely those of the author s.

All rights reserved. But his platform of anti-corruption and greater transparency in government quickly won him the support of Filipinos tired of corruption associated with the government of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the most unpopular leader since Marcos.

This will start with me. I will strive to be a good example. Aquino, a chain smoker who has resisted calls to quit the habit, enjoys support among business for his market-friendly policies and was applauded for vowing to investigate Arroyo.

World News Updated.