In several areas in the Philippines, including Lanao del Sur, have experienced late proclamation of election winners. Macaurog Panandigan, a Meranao local analyst, said such proclamation has become part of the political culture in the country. He largely attributed this to electoral fraud and illegal acts and dirty politics, including bribery in the conduct of elections.

    In the coming October 29 Barangay and Sanggonayang Kabataan Elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec), led by Chairman Benhamin S. Abalos Sr., has ordered the Barangay Boards of Canvassers (BBoCs) to proclaim within 24 hours the winners unless it is impossible to do so because of violence, terrorism, loss or destruction of paraphernalia and other analogous causes that frustrate the holding of free and honest elections.

    The Comelec directed its election officers in 118 cities and 1,510 municipalities to set up one BBoC in each barangay to canvass the election returns for both the barangay and SK elections and thereafter proclaim the winning candidates.

        Abalos said the EOs in all cities and towns are required to constitute the BBoCs in 41,945 barangays all over the country not later than Oct. 10, 2007.

       Therefore, Late proclamation of election winners in Lanao del Sur and other areas in the country happens when violence, terrorism like bombing which disturbs election proceedings , loss or destruction of paraphernalia and other similar factors that prevent the holding of free, honest and credible elections. It also happens when defeated candidates filed their protests in courts alleging election fraud and abnormality.