Australia, US, UK hope for smooth transition to new RP govt

As they voiced satisfaction with the maturing of Philippine politics after the May 10 automated elections, three countries voiced high hopes for a smooth transition of power from the outgoing Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration to its successor. In separate statements, the Australian, United Kingdom and United States embassies congratulated the Philippines for the successful conduct of Monday’s elections. “Australia looks forward to a smooth political transition and to working with the new Administration when it takes office, building on the substantial and positive relations we now enjoy," Ambassador Rod Smith said on the Australian embassy website. Smith congratulated the Philippines on the successful conduct of the country’s first nationwide automated elections last Monday. Australian Embassy staff participated in a joint Election Visits Program with Indonesia and Japan under the auspices of the Bali Democracy Forum. The Australian Embassy deployed 16 observers to 12 provinces across the country. “While incidences of political violence were deeply regrettable, it was welcome that levels of violence were lower than in past elections," Smith said. For its part, the UK expressed support for all duly elected office holders in working for the common good of the Filipino people and the strengthening of Philippine-British relations. “This is a good day for politics in the Philippines. Not only do we have a clear and early indication of the next President, but we have also seen many other candidates gracefully conceding defeat. This is a welcome sign of the increasing maturity of the Philippine political system," UK Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie said on the UK Embassy website. He cited the high turnout of voters at the elections, where Filipinos demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process and their determination to shape their own destiny. Lillie said he observed elections in Metro Manila, while other members of the Embassy observed in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. “We were struck by the dedication of the election officials and the enthusiasm of the voters. Through their high turn-out at the elections, the Filipino people have demonstrated their commitment to the democratic process and their determination to shape their own destiny," he said. But while he was delighted that popular fears about the introduction of automated elections had been laid to rest, there was still work to do in achieving a genuine culture of peaceful elections in the country. Also, Lillie congratulated the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for its success in achieving a credible national election. He highlighted Comelec’s reforms - with the support of the British Embassy - to increase the participation of marginalized sectors in the elections. “In particular I welcome the decision by Comelec to allow detainees not yet convicted of any crime to vote for the first time. This is a real milestone," he added. Lillie also congratulated the citizens arms and watchdog organizations, including the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) and the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) for their efforts to ensure that legal and other election standards are monitored and upheld. On the other hand, the United States Embassy said it is also looking forward to a smooth transition and working with the new government. “We look forward to a smooth transition and, after June 30, to working with the new Philippine government to deepen the friendship and partnership between our two nations, and to advance our common goals for the benefit of Southeast Asia region and the world," it said. The US Embassy said it sent 120 observers across the country “to witness Philippine democracy in action." “While there were always lessons to be learned, our overwhelming impression is that the Philippines has much to be proud of today," it said. — LBG, GMANews.TV