12 political parties vying to become majority, minority parties

MANILA, Philippines - Ten major national parties and two major local parties are vying to be declared the dominant majority and minority party in the coming May elections.

In a resolution, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) directed the 12 competing political parties to appear on Thursday for a hearing on their petition for accreditation as dominant majority and dominant minority party.

Leading the petitions are the administration Liberal Party and the opposition United Nationalist Alliance.

Former administration party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrat asked the Comelec to be declared the dominant minority party, while the Nationalist People’s Coalition filed a petition for accreditation to be named the major national party.

The Nationalista Party seeks to be named among the six major political parties in the coming elections.

Other petitioners include the Kusog Banyohanon, KAMBILAN, United Negros Alliance, HUGPONG, National Unity Party, Partido Abe Kapampangan and Arangkada.

The Comelec earlier asked the 10 major political parties and two major local parties to file a verified petition for accreditation.

Under the Poll Automation Law, the dominant majority and minority parties will get original copies of election returns from the Comelec.

The poll body said electronically transmitted precinct results shall also be given to the dominant majority and minority parties.

Printed copies of the election returns and certificate of canvass shall also be given to the 10 accredited major national parties and accredited major local parties.

Aside from getting copies of the election returns, those who will be declared dominant majority and minority parties are assured that their official watchers will be given priority in cramped precincts.