Shariff Kabunsuan folk ask Comelec to solve election protest in May 2007 polls

Some 150 residents of Shariff Kabunsuan trooped to the main office of the Commission on Election (Comelec) in Intramuros, Manila yesterday morning to demand the immediate proclamation of the winning governor and board members in the May 2007 election.

According to Kahar Bra, spokesperson of the United Voters of Shariff Kabunsuan, eight months have passed since the May polls but the Comelec has not decided on who actually won as the province’s first elected governor.

Bra said the Comelec has only proclaimed Vice Gov. Ibrahim Ibay, who now serves as acting governor, and two of the 10 provincial board members.

The delay in the proclamation was caused by the electoral protests filed by Datu Bimbo Sinsuat, who served as acting governor when the province was created last year, and former Sultan Kudarat mayor Datu Tucao Mastura against each other.  Both are claiming to have won the gubernatorial race in last year’s polls.

Sinsuat’s case covers the towns of Parang and Sultan Kudarat while Mastura’s petition covers the municipalities of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Datu Blah Sinsuat.

The Comelec had declared a failure of the May 14, 2007 polls in the province because of election-related violence and threats or harassments against its poll officers and teachers then.  A special election was called.

In an earlier interview, youth leader Banjo Mampon said that the delay in the proclamation of a governor and board members has been affecting the affairs and programs in the province.

Mampon hinted that there are projects that could not be implemented to the detriment of residents. Some employees of the provincial hall get divided between the camps of Sinsuat and Mastura, causing an unhealthy working atmosphere there.  – Sheila Crisostomo