Photo essay: Duterte on course for landslide presidential victory

MANILA/DAVAO, Philippines -- Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is on track to become the next president of the Philippines, having secured nearly 40% of all votes counted. 

Under outgoing President Benigno Aquino, who assumed office in June 2010, economic growth averaged over 6%, the fastest pace in four decades.

Despite this, roughly a quarter of the population is poor, and many middle-income families are not enjoying the fruits of growth. 

Nikkei reporters captured some of the scenes from the election.

Rodrigo Duterte, center, poses with supporters. (Photo by Yumi Kotani)

Supporters mob Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as he arrives at a high school in the city to cast his vote on May 9. (Photo by Mikhail Flores)

Rodrigo Duterte answers questions from journalists on May 9. (Photo by Mikhail Flores)

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte gestures during a news conference in Davao, where he is the current mayor, on May 9. (Photo by Yumi Kotani)

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte leaves a news conference in Davao, the Philippines, on May 9. (Photo by Yumi Kotani)

A woman walks past election posters in Manila on May 9. (Photo by Yumi Kotani)

People raise their fists in a show of support for Rodrigo Duterte on May 9. (Photo by Mikhail Flores)

Sen. Grace Poe, a presidential candidate, speaks to reporters after voting in Manila on May 9. (Photo by Simon Roughneen)

A Voter goes through lists at a polling station at Santa Lucia school in San Juan, Manila, on May 9. (Photo by Simon Roughneen)

Voters check candidate lists for the Philippine national elections in Kabayanan, in Manila, on May 9. (Photo by Simon Roughneen)

A voter goes over the voting procedure with an election official in Kabayanan, in Manila, on May 9, (Photo by Simon Roughneen)

Voters mark their paper ballots at a school in Kabayanan, in Manila on May 9. (Photo by Simon Roughneen)

Filipinos cast their votes in Manila on May 9. (Photo by Yumi Kotani)