Deployment of election paraphernalia for OAV set

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will soon start the deployment of official ballots and other election paraphernalia for the overseas absentee voting (OAV), an official said yesterday.

Elaiza Sabile David, director of the Comelec Office for Oveaseas Voting, said they were preparing the shipment of election materials to Philippine posts around the world.

The OAV will be held in April, a month ahead of the May 13 regular midterm polls.

“We have started the packing of ballots. Most likely, the first shipment will start this second week of March,” David said.

According to the Comelec, the printing of some 1.8 million official ballots for the OAV has been completed.  

The poll body is rushing the printing of 61.4 million official ballots for local voting.

David said they would also distribute the list of candidates for the midterm elections and instructions to voters.

Overseas absentee voters can cast their votes until May 13.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said overseas absentee voters would vote only for national posts: 12 senators and one party-list group.