Communists and Democracy in the Philippines

Olle Tornquist In 1986, the 'national democratic movement' which constituted the main force of the revolutionary Left in Philippines calling for a boycott of the historic elections ordered by Marcos ran into a blind alley. Other cause oriented groups rallied behind Cory Aquino and in February, Marcos had to flee the country unable to face the upsurge of people's protests. The 'national democratic movement' seemed almost irrelevant and it had soon to admit that its boycott decision had been at least a 'major tactical blunder'.