High voter turnout seen in Marawi polls

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is expecting a high voter turnout in the barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in Marawi today.

James Jimenez, spokesman for the Comelec, said the Marawi siege did not dampen the enthusiasm of residents to choose their barangay and youth leaders. 

“We believe there will be a healthy voter turnout... Residents are still politicallly active and motivated to vote,” Jimenez said.

Comelec records show that there are a total of 50,893 registered voters for the barangay elections and 25,491 voters for SK in Marawi.

There are 234 candidates for barangay captain; barangay kagawad, 862; SK chairman, 162, and SK council members, 193.

Jimenez said the political exercise is “very important” for Marawi, especially those who remain in evacuation centers or are still staying with their relatives outside the city.

“The barangay is at the frontline in the delivery of government services. Having... representatives to oversee that... is a crucial component of Marawi’s reconstruction and future resurgence,” Jimenez said.

The Comelec said more than 15,000 voters in 27 barangays in the so-called “ground zero” would cast their votes in alternative voting centers.

Jimenez said the Comelec and Department of Public Works and Highways would provide vehicles to bring voters to polling precincts.

”It’s all systems go... preparations are in place... Providers also gave assurance of uninterrupted power supply,” he said.