MANILA - The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Wednesday described the May 9 elections as "generally peaceful, orderly and organized."

In a message, OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the democracy was at its "finest" despite having reported some isolated incidents of violence and people grueling hours of queuing.

Galvez congratulated all people who patiently lined up at polling precincts "braving the rain or the bristling heat of the sun" just to cast their votes and for not allowing the reported incidents from preventing them from exercising the right to suffrage and choosing the country's new leaders.

"If there are three lessons that this election has taught us, they are: First, despite the tension, anxiety, and misunderstanding caused by our political differences, we all share a common vision, and that is, to elect the leaders who can best lead our nation. Second, this political exercise has allowed us to stand up for the principles we are fighting for, and select the leaders who truly embody these same ideals," Galvez said.

"And third, we are strengthening the pillars of our democracy and voted not only according to what is best for ourselves but for our countrymen. This is the essence of democracy. This is the power that the ballot has given us - to steer the course of our nation's socio-political and socio-economic direction and transformation," he added.

Galvez urged the people to tear down the "walls of divisiveness, bitterness, and animosity of partisan politics."

"And whoever may be elected into the country's highest office, let us respect the decision of the majority and support the new administration as it takes over the reins of nation-building," he said.

Galvez wished the next President and newly elected officials "be a beacon of hope, mutual understanding, peace, reconciliation, and unity."

"Let us all heal and move forward -- as one people and one nation. God bless our country," he said.

Galvez earlier said he hopes the next administration will sustain the gains of the peace process under the Duterte government. (PNA)