Sunday, May 06, 2007 Poll body says Benguet 'most peaceful' province in Cordi
IN WHAT may be deemed as a sign of "political maturity," the Commission on Elections (Comelec) hailed Benguet as "probably the most peaceful province" in Cordillera.
Comelec Assistant Regional Director Julius Torres attributed his pronouncement to "the almost zero incidence" of election violence and election-related violations in Benguet.
He also said the Comelec is doing "final touches" in its preparation in the run-up for the May 14 elections.
A total of 171,193 registered voters, up by 7,104 from the 2004 presidential elections, would troop to their respective polling precincts in Benguet, numbering to 1,153, in the May 14 elections, as per the Comelec information bulletin.
Torres advised voters to check with the Comelec office pertinent information like voters' registration and list of candidates before the election day to avoid confusion. He also said voters may take with them a list of their preferred candidates to their respective precincts on election day.
There are 13 mayoralty and vice mayoralty and 104 municipal councilor positions up for grabs in Benguet.
A consolidated list of candidates by the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor for Baguio-Benguet yielded 36 mayoralty candidates, 29 vice mayoralty bets and 288 municipal councilors, all vying for their respective posts, 10 days into the run-up for the May 14 balloting.
Districts 1 and 2 have 10 and 13 Provincial Board (PB) wannabes, respectively.
Three bets are vying for the lone congressional position. They are reelectionist Representative Samuel Dangwa, former congressman Ronald Cosalan and Bedis Guznian.
Benguet Vice Governor Crescencio Pacalso will defend his position against his erstwhile opponent last 2004 elections, former board member Wasing Sacla.
Governor Borromeo Melchor, on the other hand, is up against former vice governor Edna Tabanda and La Trinidad Mayor Nestor Fongwan. (MAL/UP Baguio Intern)
