The Wire

Voting in the Philippines kicked off today, with a massive turnout expected amongst the country’s 50 million eligible voters. The election brings to an end the near ten-year reign of Gloria Arroyo – a presidency marred by allegations of human rights abuses and rampant corruption. Voters are placing their hopes in Senator “NoyNoy” Aquino Jr., the son of slain opposition figure Benigno Aquino and former President “Cory” Corazon. But elections in the Philippines have a tendency towards violence, and this one has been no exception.