The Commission on Election (Comelec) allayed concerns about a possible low voter turnout in the 2022 national and ocal polls due to the effects of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
“The Comelec remains confident of a sizable voter turnout despite Covid fears,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez in a brief statement.
“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,” he added.
Jimenez issued the statement after Senator Miguel Zubiri, in his privilege speech, expressed concern over the impact of the pandemic on the voter turnout in the 2022 elections.
“The Comelec gratefully acknowledges Senator Zubiri’s concern and assures the distinguished Senator and the Filipino people that all necessary steps to ensure the voting public’s safety throughout the 2022 election period, most especially on election day, May 9, 2022, are being undertaken by your Commission on Elections,” Jimenez said.
He said even if there was a low voter turnout in the 2022 polls, it would not be “determinative of the validity of electoral exercise.”
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza