Voter’s registration in first 2 months disappointing – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is disappointed at the results of the first two months of voter’s registration.

Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said only around 500,000 people were able to register or update their registration status from May 6 to July 6.

“The performance is not encouraging,” he said. “The registration will run for 17 months, divide that by nine million and that should be about 400,000 a month ideally. For two months, it’s only 500,000.”

The Comelec was expecting around 800,000 registrants during the first two months.

It was aiming to capture some 9.6 million registered voters, who still do not have biometrics.

Brillantes said they are now evaluating the reason for the low turnout of registrants.

They intend to come up with new strategies to encourage people to register, he added.

Brillantes again warned that voters without biometrics will not be allowed to vote in 2016.

The Comelec has opened its local offices on Sundays to encourage voters working during their day off to register, he added.            

Brillantes said Sunday registration in the provinces will be stopped due to lack of public interest.