Comelec sees high voter turnout in 2022 polls

MANILA, Philippines — Even with the pandemic, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) forecasts a high turnout of voters in next year’s general elections.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said yesterday the commission expects a turnout of at least 80 percent, considering that the May 9, 2022 vote includes the race for the presidency.

“We think we’re gonna hit 80 percent even with the pandemic. In fact, it might be higher,” Jimenez said.

The Comelec recorded a 76-percent voter turnout during the May 2019 midterm elections and 80 percent in the May 2016 polls.

“Normally, the voter turnout is like a wave – rising for the presidential (polls), low in the midterm (elections) then high again for the presidential (polls),” Jimenez noted.

In the recent Palawan plebiscite, the Comelec only expected a 40-percent turnout, but 61 percent of the voters came out to cast their ballots.

Jimenez said a high turnout could be achieved if each voter would encourage another to participate in the elections.