THE PHILIPPINES: Marcos' Millions

"The people trooped by the millions to cast their votes," marveled Manila's Daily Express. "They had an enthusiasm that had not been seen in previous elections." Indeed, the 91% support for a referendum that gives President Ferdinand Marcos nearly unlimited power was almost miraculous in the fractious Philippines. Or it would have been, except for the fact that 1) the penalty for not voting was up to six months in prison; 2) most people were afraid that if they voted no they would go to jail; and 3) a high government official,...