Poll body gets int’l recognition

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has gained international recognition for enabling more elderly, detainees and other marginalized people to exercise their right to vote.

The Comelec reported that the International Centre for Parliamentary Studies (ICPS) has awarded the poll body with the prestigious Accessibility Award.

The Centre granted the award in recognition of the Comelec’s efforts to empowering and giving persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, detainees, indigenous people and overseas voters access to the electoral process.

Out of the more than 30 election management bodies worldwide, the Comelec was selected as finalist in two categories in the International Election Awards namely, Accessibility and Equality.

Comelec won in the Accessibility category and was given recognition in the Equality category, which focuses on regulated campaign of candidates.

ICPS, a research institution of the United Nations Public Administration Network (UNPAN) is trying to promote effective policy making and good governance through better interaction between parliaments, governments and other stake holders.

As this developed, the Comelec is also giving out recognition to their partners in the 2013 Barangay Elections.

Among those receiving recognition are the Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Corrections, Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Philippine Postal Corp. (PhilPost), Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting ( PPCRV), Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and SM Malls.

Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes said the commendation to be given is a manifestation of the Commission’s deep gratitude for the successful conduct of the Barangay polls.

The awarding ceremony was held Monday at the BTR Convention Hall, Palacio Del Gobernador in Intramuros.