In preparation for the May 2022 national and local elections, the Commission on Human Rights welcomes the move of the House of Representatives to approve the funding provision for the consolidated bill that will allow qualified senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities to cast their ballot within seven working days before the set date of election. This piece of legislation will also enable the Commission on Election, together with other line agencies, to designate accessible establishments for maximum voting participation of vulnerable populations.

As we have seen in other countries’ experience, the Covid-19 pandemic also has specific impacts on elections. Voters are warier of voting in person due to possible exposure to the virus. Accordingly, we recognise that the current health crisis places additional burdens on officials tasked with ensuring this basic human right.

Both the national and local governments are prompted to proactively adopt measures to assist people who may face particular challenges in voting. It includes ensuring that polling locations are physically accessible to voters; providing reasonable accommodation to older voters and Persons with Disabilities; and addressing additional needs of other vulnerable and marginalised groups who also have the right to vote.

Apart from accessibility concerns, the government need to attend to new requirements for social distancing; personal protective equipment; and other health and safety measures in voting centres.

We strongly support the enactment of this policy in the next readings in Congress to make sure that senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities can fully exercise their right to suffrage and political participation, especially during pandemic times. In the same vein, we hope that the government shall continue to find more practical and inclusive ways to ensure maximum participation of the public in this democratic process, and to guarantee that all citizens are able to vote freely without discrimination.

The CHR reiterates that the duty of the government across the country should be to protect and affirm that meaningful act, and ensure that all citizens can freely and equally exercise their voting rights in May 2022 and beyond.###