CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 7 Nov) – Mirroring what happened in the United States, students from two universities here voted for President Barack Obama during a mock elections sponsored by the US Embassy at Xavier University this morning.
William Cocks, assistant cultural affairs officer of the US Embassy in Manila, said Obama got 703 votes of the 1,400 ballots cast by students of Xavier University and Liceo de Cagayan University during the mock elections was held from 9 to 11 a.m. at XU’s canteen.
Cocks said Republican contender Mitt Romney got only 403 votes.
“We are happy that we were able to bring the experience of the US elections and the ideals of our democratic systems to the students in Cagayan de Oro,” Cocks said.
Similar mock elections were also sponsored by the US Embassy in Cebu and Manila, he added.
Like the American voters, most students here said they were impressed by Obama’s position on gay marriage, his handling of the US economy and the Democrats’ stand on immigration issues.
One student, Marissa Baang, a third year international studies student from XU, said she believed that Obama will make good on his word to come to the aid of the Philippines on the Scarborough Shoal issue.
“I know Obama is trying to whittle down the defense budget but I trust him to come to our aid,” she said.
The students apparently made up their minds on whom to vote on the basis of their perception on what they saw on CNN and other international networks.
“I learned from CNN that Obama has leaned heavily on health care. Although it is unpopular, I think this is a good program. I voted for Obama because of this,” third year XU college student Maya Umpar said.
Even policemen who joined the mock elections said from what they see on TV, Obama should be given the chance to lead the US for another term.
“Obama is doing okay, he should be given another four years,” PO2 Edgar Apog said.
The mock elections at XU was done complete with the American flag and the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Unfortunately, the enthusiasm of the students failed when asked who they will vote in the coming May 2013 senatorial and local elections.
“I really do not know who the candidates are. I will have to see them yet,” said Yvonne Lampitao, a third year psychology student. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)
