Aquino poised for win in election marred by deaths

Problems with voting machines don't discourage strong turnout

MANILA, Philippines - The son of Philippine democracy icons took the lead in the vote count for the presidency after the country's first automated elections on Monday, which were marred by technical glitches and violence that claimed at least nine lives.

Sen. Benigno Aquino III had 40.4 percent of the vote from about 38 percent of the precincts, while his closest rival, ousted President Joseph Estrada, had 25.8 percent, according to early results released by the Commission on Elections.