Cavite special poll voting hours extended

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday extended the voting hours for a special election in Dasmariñas, Cavite, to accommodate more voters stalled by the bad weather.

The special election intends to fill up a congressional post left vacant by the expulsion of Dasmariñas congressman Kiko Barzaga.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the two-hour extension was meant to accommodate those who want to participate in the electoral exercise, but were hampered by heavy rains.

The election started at 7 a.m. and was supposed to end at 3 p.m.

Garcia said the Comelec was hoping for a 50-percent voter turnout.

“Earlier, we said the target is 60 to 65 percent voter turnout. But now, we will be contented at 50 percent. We hope the turnout to be somehow high because the post that will be filled in is very important,” Garcia said.

Dasmariñas, which is the fourth legislative district of Cavite, has 447,387 registered voters.

The Comelec conducted the special election after the House of Representatives expelled Barzaga due to “disorderly behavior, conduct unbecoming of a member, and violation of the House’s Code of Conduct.”

Dasmariñas Mayor Jennifer Barzaga is among those seeking the congressional seat left vacant by her son.

Apart from Barzaga, the other candidates are former vice mayor Raul Rex Mangubat, Marvin Dupal-ag, Leysander Ordenes and Jacinto Frani Jr.