This was high praise from the American diplomatic establishment. But to convert the tactical successes that Lansdale and Magsaysay had achieved into a lasting strategic victory would require more than mere military action. It would require political action centered on two upcoming elections—the 1951 legislative and regional election and the 1953 presidential election. If these votes were as corrupt as previous ballots had been, the government could not win the confidence of the people. If, on the other hand, the elections could be conducted honestly, the Huks would lose a valuable rallying
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