Confusion is deepening in the Philippines over the upcoming presidential election as a disqualified major candidate has sued the election administrative panel.
The election is scheduled for May as incumbent President Benigno Aquino will finish his term. He is barred by the country’s constitution from seeking re-election.
The election was initially expected to center on the candidacies of 3 major contenders.
Former Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas is Aquino’s choice as his successor. The others are Vice President Jejomar Binay and Independent Senator Grace Poe.
The election administrative committee disqualified Poe as candidate last month saying she failed to meet the period of residency in the Philippines and other constitutional conditions for becoming a presidential candidate.
She had gained the highest support rates in many opinion polls. Poe took legal action demanding that her disqualification be revoked.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo Duterte, the mayor of Davao in the southern island of Mindanao, was suddenly picked to run in the election.
Duterte has been popular for being outspoken. He is now competing for the highest approval rates in the latest polls.
Source and image: NHK
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