Winning candidates in Benguet led by re-electionists Rep. Ronald Cosalan and Gov. Nestor Fongwan last week pledged to work for unity and development after they were proclaimed on Wednesday by the board of canvassers chaired by Provincial Prosecutor William Bacoling.

“The people have spoken,” said Fongwan. “The results showed a matured electorate.”

Cosalan said he was thankful of the trust and confidence entrusted him by the electorate, as he vowed to bring national programs closer to the people.

Results on Wednesday showed Cosalan garnered 85,534 votes to retain his seat over Vice Gov. Crescencio Pacalso who tallied 65,620 overall.

Fongwan amassed a total 108,950 votes to overwhelm lawyer Jerome Selmo who came up with 34,994 votes.  Selmo defeated Fongwan, 4,280 votes to Fongwan’s 2,670 in Bokod but was swamped in all the other 12 municipalities.

Board Member Nelson Dangwa nailed down the post of vice governor in runaway fashion over challengers Juan Nazarro Jr. and Apolinario Camsol.

Dangwa pledged to work closely with the executive in working for development in the province.

Re-electionist board members Connie Balao and Florence Tingbaoen, who placed first and second for the provincial board seats in the second district pledged teamwork and unity in the pursuit of the province’ executive-legislative agenda.

Benguet Provincial Police Office Director Rodolfo Azurin described the conduct of the May 13 elections as very peaceful, due to the preparations by the police organization and the participation of different civic and non-government organizations.

He said credit also goes to the “professional candidates” in the province who campaigned on the basis of platforms without need for bodyguards or armed escorts.

“They just went all-out to sell themselves,” he said, adding the conduct of elections in the province is worthy of replication in other provinces.

Fongwan agreed, saying the province is one of the few areas nationwide where the electorate does not succumb to monetary considerations.

“It is a source of pride for us as a people,” he said.