Extension of online voting enrollment mulled

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is considering giving Filipinos more time to enroll and avail themselves of the online voting system for the midterm polls this month.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body may extend the enrollment for internet voting following calls from various groups.

Earlier, the Comelec set the deadline for the enrollment on May 7.

Garcia said the poll body would not make an early announcement of the extension as Filipinos tend to do things at the last minute.

“If we announce early, they will not do it immediately and will wait for the extension. If there is no extension, they will rush at the last minute, resulting in crowding at polling centers,” Garcia said.

He said the Comelec set the deadline early to encourage overseas Filipinos to enroll, although they may opt not to cast their votes immediately.