ABSTRACT
The gradual emergence of a regional opposition movement of local Kalinga and Bontoc communities capable of matching the huge scope of the dam project constituted a major democratization breakthrough in itself. Rejecting reconciliation with Marcos and reflecting its strong national democratic political orientation, the Nationalist Alliance called for a “dismantling of the United States-Marcos dictatorship and the establishment of a coalition government based on a truly democratic and representative system.” Taking advantage of dissension within the opposition ranks, though, Marcos responded by announcing a number of concessions on electoral procedures, and a temporary suspension of repressive decrees for the duration of the election. Electoral unification efforts had taken on new life when Marcos told a Kilusang Bagong Lipunan caucus in August 1985 that he might hold an early election. To defuse growing opposition to the regime, especially after the Aquino assassination in 1983, Marcos continued to rely on an electoral legitimation strategy.
