AUSTRIA – Despite the scattered violence and the rush to fix computer glitches, the Philippines' first automated presidential and local elections on Monday was a “successful test of its fragile democracy,” commented a foreign correspondent of an Austrian daily newspaper.

Philippine embassy officials in Vienna also commended the Filipinos in their areas for the good turnout of the overseas absentee voting (OAV) here.

Sen. Benigno Aquino III, son of pro-democracy icons Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. and Corazon Aquino, commanded a large lead in the presidential race, according to the last pre-election polls.

“Actually, Noynoy Aquino had been the pre-election favorite. He is considered honest and well-intentioned despite his somewhat low-profile career as a legislator,” a Noynoy fan told ABS-CBN News.

“I appreciate very much the humbleness of Villar as he accepted his defeat. It's time for healing, it is time to move forward. Sen. Villar has been gentleman enough to concede defeat this early. It's time to work hand in hand with the incoming administration, bid the current administration goodbye," Manuel de Leon, a Villar supporter commented.

Villar earlier said in a news conference: “The Filipino people have decided. I congratulate Senator Noynoy Aquino for his victory. The challenges he and our country faces are enormous and we should work together.”

An editor of the Philippine-European Bulletin echoed what de Leon said about the concession of losing presidential candidates.

“The humility of the candidates who conceded, like Villar and Gilberto Teodorom is commendable. I wish them luck in all their future endeavors. Maybe the right time will come for them to lead this country. Nagkataon lang na hindi mo pa po talaga oras,” said the editor of the monthly news-magazine in Austria.

An Austrian social worker, meantime, wished the Filipinos well as a new administration is set to run the country.

“The Philippines wants to have a respectable and reputable leader to guide its people. The turn out of the May 10, 2010 elections is a good sign what the Philippines wants to be. I wish the Filipinos in Austria and all over the world good luck with their new elected President,” stated Klaus Baumgartner, who served in a remote province in the southern Philippines.

Filipinos in Austria are very much confident that with the overwhelming result of the presidential elections, Filipinos will rally behind the new President.

In a prayer meeting held in Vienna on Tuesday, Filipinos here prayed for good governance in order to achieve economic turnaround for their beloved country. They also thanked God for Monday’s credible elections.

“The newly elected leaders won't be able to fulfill their duties alone, they need our support and cooperation. Stop crab mentality. Let's give them a chance and offer prayers for our country. Tama na ang mga alitan at insultuhan. It's a new day which brings new hope. Let’s just be positive,” one of the attendants of the prayer meeting concluded.