The 1986 Philippine Election: A Fight Against Fraud

Name: The 1986 Philippine Election: A Fight Against Fraud
Start: 1933-02-07
Location: Unspecified

The 1986 Philippine Presidential Election: A Pivotal Moment

The 1986 Philippine presidential election was a significant political event that marked a desperate struggle for democracy in a country ruled by a dictatorship. This election pitted the **opposition leader Corazon Aquino** against the longstanding **President Ferdinand Marcos**, whose regime was characterized by widespread corruption and human rights abuses. Aquino’s emergence from relative obscurity was catalyzed by the assassination of her husband, former senator Benigno Aquino Jr., which fueled public dissent against the Marcos administration.

As the election approached, the **Philippine populace** found itself divided between a desire for change and fear of retribution from Marcos' loyalists. The election on February 7, 1986, was marred by allegations of **fraudulent activities** orchestrated by the Marcos camp. Despite the reports indicating a clear lead for Aquino, the official results controversially declared Marcos as the winner.

Corazon Aquino's Rise

Before the election, **Corazon Aquino** was not a traditional politician but a housewife and the martyred Benigno Aquino’s widow. Her sudden rise to political prominence was largely due to her symbolic role as a figure of hope and empowerment for **Filipinos** yearning for democratic reforms. Her candidacy galvanized a broad coalition comprising various sectors of society who were disillusioned with Marcos’s regime.

Ferdinand Marcos and His Regime

**President Ferdinand Marcos** ruled the Philippines for over two decades, implementing martial law from 1972, which led to severe crackdowns on civil liberties. His tenure was riddled with corruption and human rights violations, making his administration deeply unpopular, particularly after the assassination of **Benigno Aquino** in 1983 heightened opposition to his rule.

The Aftermath of the Election

In the wake of the elections, as the results rolled in, widespread protests erupted across the nation. Accusations of **electoral fraud** surged, igniting outrage among citizens who believed their votes were stolen. Amidst intensifying unrest and international scrutiny, the **People Power Revolution** began to take shape, rallying thousands to call for transparency and justice.

The Role of the Church

One pivotal factor in mobilizing the masses was the **Catholic Church's** involvement, with influential figures like Cardinal Jaime Sin urging Filipinos to peacefully resist the Marcos regime. This religious support turned the tide of public sentiment in favor of Aquino and the opposition.

International Community's Response

The response from the **international community** was critical in applying pressure on Marcos. Countries around the world condemned the alleged electoral fraud, and **the United States** ultimately withdrew its support for the Marcos government, which helped facilitate a change of power.

Fun Fact

Corazon Aquino's Legacy

Corazon Aquino was not just the first female president in the Philippines but also the first female president in Asia, marking a crucial step in advancing women's roles in politics across the region.