The right of suffrage is a political right conferred by the Constitution to every Filipino citizen enabling them to take part in the process of governance to ensure that government representation remains democratic, representative of the will of the people. The circumstances however presented by the pandemic has led to the slowdown of voter registration as more voters shun outside travel.

The Commission on Election (COMELEC), despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic, has beat the odds by reporting that there are now 59 million registered voters for the 2022 local and national elections. COMELEC efforts to reach out to unregistered voters are commendable and worthy of praise. In the past, COMELEC has extended registration hours to accommodate voters and has successfully held a plebiscite in Palawan last year that yielded a 60 percent voter turnout.

The recent announcement of the new mobile registration form app is a timely intervention that will undoubtedly help the COMELEC close its goal of registering 60 million voters for the 2022 polls. The past success of the 2020 Palawan Plebiscite is a good example of how elections can be held despite the circumstances.

As suffrage is an essential activity, we support the continued use of “isolated polling place” for individuals with high body temperatures. The success of isolated polling places in the plebiscite last year contributed greatly in ensuring that no voter was left behind, it is truly an inclusive system in ensuring that the right to vote of eligible persons are respected and fulfilled.

With voter registration currently underway, we ask eligible Filipino citizens who are 18 years of age and above on the day of elections to take part in democracy.

MagparehistroKa! Remember that elections are won by those who show up.