It's important not to overstate the situation, while at the same time not to underestimate the need to get some resolution. There has been a lot of publicity recently which might suggest that freedom of navigation is at risk because of new construction by China at Mischief Reef. The fact is the U. S. Navy transits the region all the time. It is disappointing that China chose to build. It appears to be at odds with commitments they have given the Philippines previously and certainly with the notion of resolving by peaceful means the many disputed claims.
All indicators are that the government intends to have an election.
From our talks with the government and military, there is total recognition of the importance of the elections - the fact that the government has to be perceived as legitimate and the fact that this is important both internally and also for relations with the outside world. I've heard no allegations that the laws were in any way designed to cook the books in favor of the government. The army has said that it will remain neutral. Our hope is for as violence-free an election as possible. We see no evidence of that whatsoever.