Comelec confident of big voters’ turnout

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is still confident of a sizable voter turnout on the 9 May 2022 elections even if Covid-19 persists.

In a statement, Comelec spokesperson Atty. James Jimenez said the electoral body’s confidence is spurred by the recent experience in the Palawan plebiscite last March where a large number of voters participated.

“The Comelec remains confident of a sizable voter turnout despite Covid fears. This projection is borne out by international experience — most, if not all, elections in other jurisdictions showed a higher than average voter turnout — and local experience in the Palawan Plebiscite last March 2021. In any case, voter turnout is in no way determinative of the validity of electoral exercises.” Jimenez said.

The commission also assured that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure public safety in 2022 elections.

“The Comelec acknowledges Senator Zubiri’s concern and assures the Filipino people that all necessary steps to ensure the voting public’s safety throughout the 2022 election period, most especially on election day, 9 May 2022, are being undertaken by your Commission on Elections,” he said.

Zubiri had warned against a low voter turnout if the Covid-19 pandemic is not addressed.

In a PulseAsia survey that Zubiri commissioned, 46 percent of the respondents said they won’t go out to vote if Covid-19 cases in their areas remain high.