Comelec limits number of voters inside polling center for 2022 elections
MANILA, Philippines — A maximum of 10 voters will only be allowed inside polling precincts during the May 2022 national and local elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
However, polling places which are relatively larger and can accommodate more people will be allowed more than 10 voters as long as they observe distancing protocols.
Holding areas will also be set up for voters waiting for their turn to vote.
During a stakeholders forum organized by the National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) on Monday, the poll body released its COVID-19 preventive measures that will be implemented during the elections next year.
Here are the other health measures that will be in place:
- temperature checking
- setting up of separate entrance and exit for each voting centers
- wearing of face mask and face shield
- one-meter physical distancing
- installation of sanitation stations
- frequent disinfection of hands
- frequent disinfection of regularly touched surfaces
- proper cough and sneezing etiquette
- establishment of IPP and health station within the voting center
- establishment of voter's assistance desk
- establishment of holding areas adjacent to polling places
- posing of layout of the voting center
- display of signages (directional/informative)
- chairs and tables inside the polling place will be arranged in such a way that physical distancing is observed
- installation of plastic barriers between the election board and voters
Get the latest updates on the Philippines' preparation for the May 2022 national elections amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Main image by The STAR/Michael Varcas
Local executives are optimistic of peaceful elections on Monday in North Cotabato and Basilan provinces.
North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza says Saturday she is thankful to the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade of the 6th Infantry Division and units of the Eastern Mindanao Command in the province for supporting extensively the efforts of the Commission on Elections to ensure the safety of polling activities on Monday.
“We are also thankful to the Cotabato Provincial Police Office and the Police Regional Office-12 for their initiatives towards that goal. We are looking forward to a peaceful electoral exercise in our province on Monday,” Mendoza says. — The STAR/John Unson
Comelec names Director John Rex Laudiangco as the new spokesperson of the commission, replacing James Jimenez.
May 9, election day, has been declared a special non-working holiday.
In a proclamation released Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the holiday "to enable the people to properly exercise their right to vote, subject to the public health measures of the national government." — report from Alexis Romero
READ: Proclamation No. 1357 declaring May 9, election day, a special non-working holiday @PhilippineStar @Philstarnews pic.twitter.com/EvUUNb8Yuf
— Alexis B. Romero (@alexisbromero) May 5, 2022
The Bangsamoro police has mobilized 6,347 personnel to guard 1,195 polling sites in five provinces under its jurisdiction.
Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, says Thursday the contingent includes 706 Reaction Standby Support Force and 405 Quick Reactionary Force personnel for deployment to Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces.
Tension has markedly been high in some towns in both provinces owing to the deep-seated political animosity among local clans.
Besides Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao also covers the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato. — John Unson
The Commission on Election starts the distribution and conduct of the testing and sealing of the vote counting machines (VCMs) six days prior to the election day in the remote and far flung villages in Zamboanga City.
The early distribution of the VCMs was made with the authority of the Comelec central office following the recommendation of the local poll body here, says District 2 officer Atty. Stephen Roy Cañete.
“We asked permission and we were given the authority by the Comelec central office to start the distribution of the VMCs early. In case there will be glitches we still have enough time to replace the defective VCM,” Cañete says. — The STAR/Roel Pareño
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