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PHILIPPINES
Early returns show Arroyo leading
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Gloria Arroyo
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President Gloria Arroyo, seeking the legitimacy that has eluded her since she took over as president three years ago from Joseph Estrada, was narrowly leading movie actor Fernando Poe Jr. in early returns May 11.
The voting was marred by violence and at least 20 people died in election-related incidents May 9 and 10, authorities said. Most of the deadly disputes occurred as candidates vied for power in local campaigns.
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Fernando Poe Jr.
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At least 114 people have been killed in election-related violence since December, but officials described the nationwide election as "generally peaceful."
Arroyo, who has tied her administration closely to Washington and its war on terrorism, is likely to win, according to independent exit polls. But it could be weeks before the result is known because all of the ballots are counted by hand.
The Japan Times Weekly: May 15, 2004 (C) All rights reserved
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