That other election AN OUTSIDERS VIEW Ken Fuller 05/11/2010

That other election

AN OUTSIDERS VIEW Ken Fuller 05/11/2010 As I put the finishing touches to this column, it is 5 p.m. (Philippine time), Friday, May 7, and, just 12 hours after the UK polls closed, I know the election result. With 616 of the 650 results counted, it is certain that Britain will have a hung parliament. As you read this, it is the day after the Philippine elections and, if the Comelec prognosis turns out to be correct, it will be at least another day before you know the results — and maybe not even then, if the vote-counting machines have failed to function. And then it will be the end of the month before Congress canvasses the national results. Despite the swiftness with which results are announced, votes in the UK are counted by hand, although there are, unlike in the Philippines, no national votes to be tallied. Each constituency elects a Member of Parliament (MP), the winner being immediately declared in the same place the votes are counted (usually a town hall). If there is sufficient reason, the declaration will be delayed by a recount, there and then, with no need to consult a national electoral body or court of law.... MORE   Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100511com5.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Incompetence, thy name is Comelec FRONTLINE Waste of P11B in taxpayers’ money focus Poll chaos throws spotlight on creaking British system VIEWPOINTS Oath AN OUTSIDERS VIEW That other election FEATURE Anwar’s accuser to be grilled in Malaysian sodomy trial FEATURE Gangs become father, mother to Haiti’s forlorn orphans focus Euro countries square up to change