Comelec deadlines near for voters, candidates
Voters and prospective candidates alike are reminded anew by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) – register and register early.
With official Comelec “Calendar of Activities” yet to be released though, Western Visayas Regional Director Dennis Ausan said months to remember are October and November.
Last day of registration for new voters and transferees is October 31st.
“We want to remind as well our voters that this is the deadline set for those who need to have a change in marital status and corrections in their names as reflected in the previous and current voters’ list,” Director Ausan said.
As for prospective candidates, the last day to file Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) is November 30th, which will give the voting public nearly six months thereafter to know the candidates.
“And this clarification – elective officials – councilors, mayors, vice mayors, governors and our Representatives in Congress, there is no need to resign if they are seeking reelection or running for public office in a lower or higher post. The said condition is only set for appointive officials in government,”Director Ausan added.
Meantime, the Comelec here is gearing up for the influx of complaints, Motions for Disqualification, Petitions and counter-petitions once prospective candidates submit the COCs.
It would somehow be a new playing field for the Commission, Director Ausan acknowledged, particularly with the implementation of the new poll automation. Of particular concern and unclear to many as of yet is the expected substitution of candidates.
“We will be given a specific period to resolve these,” he said.
With Director Ausan in the regional Comelec here are lawyers Tomas Valera and Ryan Castro. Valera is the Assistant Regional Director while Castro is the Regional Election Administrator.
Current provincial election supervisors are Attorney Ian Lee Ananoria in Aklan, Attorney Gil Barcenal in Antique, Atty. Wil Arceno in Capiz, Election Officer II Deo Golez in Guimaras, Attorney Jessie Suarez in Negros Occidental and Iloilo’s Attorney Elizabeth Doronilla.
Western Visayas region has on record a total of 1,253,064 registered voters though the number is expected to increase once registration for new voters and transferees ends on October.