Sharjah24 – AFP: The son of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos was the clear favourite to win Monday's presidential polls when tens of millions of Filipinos cast their vote in the high-stakes elections.

Nearly 40 years after the patriarch was deposed and the family chased into exile, Ferdinand Marcos Junior looks set to complete their remarkable comeback from pariahs to the peak of political power.

Ten candidates are vying to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte in the elections seen by many as a make-or-break moment for Philippine democracy.

Relentless whitewashing of the dictator's brutal and corrupt regime, support of rival elite families and public disenchantment with post-Marcos governments have fuelled their revival.

After six years of Duterte's authoritarian rule, rights activists, Catholic church leaders and political analysts fear Marcos Jr will be emboldened to lead with an even heavier fist if he wins by a large margin.

In the Philippines, the winner only has to get more votes than anyone else.

Around 67 million Filipinos are eligible to vote and turnout is expected to be high when polling stations open at 6:00 am (2200 GMT Sunday).