QUEZON CITY (PIA)—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is targeting a significant increase in overseas voter registration for the 2025 midterm elections, aiming to reach 1.48 million Filipinos abroad.
This ambitious goal is fueled by the introduction of internet voting, a first for the country, which is expected to greatly increase participation.
Currently, only 1.18 million overseas Filipinos are registered to vote, but Comelec chair George Garcia believes the convenience of online voting will significantly boost registration numbers.
“We hope that with the announcement of internet voting, we can reach our target of 1.486 million voters abroad,” Garcia said.
The deadline for registration is September 30, 2024, giving overseas Filipinos ample time to enroll.
Internet voting will be available at 76 Philippine posts worldwide, while automated counting machines will be used at 17 posts for the 33,328 overseas voters currently registered there.
Garcia stressed the importance of conducting more satellite registrations to make the process more accessible.
“We want to ensure that as many Filipinos as possible can participate in the electoral process,” he emphasized.
Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco reported that the commission has already received 400,000 applications for registration from Filipinos living abroad.
With the implementation of Internet voting, the commission anticipates a surge in applications as the registration deadline approaches.
The Comelec’s efforts to increase voter participation among Filipinos overseas reflect a broader initiative to ensure they have a voice in the democratic process back home.
With the upcoming elections, officials are optimistic about meeting and potentially exceeding their registration goals, ushering in a new era of inclusivity and accessibility for Filipino voters abroad. (JCP – PIA NCR)
