All set for Maguindanao plebiscite – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured the public yesterday that it’s all systems go for the holding of the plebiscite in Maguindanao tomorrow.

At a press conference, Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police are helping the poll body ensure a peaceful conduct of the political exercise.

The plebiscite will ratify the division of Maguindanao into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur as provided under Republic Act 11550 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in May 2021.

Ferolino said all election paraphernalia and other supplies have been delivered to Comelec offices in Maguindanao.

“We commit that the Comelec will do everything. We are in full control of the situation and we assure the public that there will be no untoward incidents that will lead to a failure of elections,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

Comelec records showed that there are 818,790 registered voters from 508 barangays in the province.

There are 1,669 clustered precincts or 467 voting centers.

Comelec executive director for operations Teofisto Elnas Jr. said law enforcers would conduct a final security briefing today.

Voting period is from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The ballots to be used are printed in English with Arabic translation as required under the Omnibus Election Code.

The Comelec said canvassing of votes would be transferred to Buluan from Cotabato as part of the security preparations.

COVID health protocols will be observed.