Philippine Presidential Election of 1986

The snap election's stolen count triggered the People Power Revolution and Marcos's flight.

Overview

Ferdinand Marcos, twenty years in power, called a February 7, 1986 snap election to legitimize himself against Corazon Aquino, widow of the assassinated opposition leader. The official count gave Marcos 53.6 percent, but the walkout of thirty computer technicians, NAMFREL tallies showing Aquino ahead, and the Catholic bishops' condemnation exposed massive fraud. Defense minister Enrile's break and a million-strong Epifanio de los Santos avenue vigil, protected by nuns, became People Power. Marcos fled on February 25, Aquino was sworn in, and the dictatorship ended without bloodshed.