Filipinos living and working overseas, including those in Dubai and the Middle East, are being reminded by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to participate in the pre-voting enrolment period for internet voting during the 2025 National and Local Elections.
There is a new online voting system that will be implemented for the 2025 elections to make it easier and more convenient for overseas voters to cast their votes. With this new system, eligible registered voters can enroll and vote online from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating the need to physically come to polling stations.
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Important Dates
Pre-Enrollment
The pre-voting enrolment period for internet voting will run from March 10, 2025 (Monday), until May 7, 2025 (Wednesday). This enrolment step is vital for eligible voters who wish to cast their votes online.
Internet Voting Period
The internet voting process itself will take place during the Overseas Voting period, which begins on April 13, 2025 (Sunday) and ends on May 12, 2025 (Monday) at 7:00 p.m. Philippine Standard Time.
Who Can Enroll?
To participate, overseas Filipinos must meet these requirements:
- Residency and Citizenship: Must be a Filipino citizen residing in a country where internet voting is allowed.
- Registered Voter: Must already be a registered overseas voter, having completed registration before the cut-off date in September 2024.
Enrolment Methods for Convenience
To accommodate OFWs and other overseas residents, various methods are available for pre-voting enrolment. These options are designed to maximize accessibility and efficiency for all eligible voters.
- Self-Enrolment: Individuals can use their own personal devices connected to the internet to complete the enrolment process.
- Voting Kiosks: Philippine Posts in Dubai and other cities will host voting kiosks where voters can enroll and later cast their votes during the specified voting period.
- Field or Mobile Pre-Voting Enrolment: Philippine Posts may also arrange scheduled field or mobile enrolment sessions to make the process more accessible for those in remote areas.
Step-by-Step Enrolment Guide
Regardless of the chosen enrolment method, voters will need to follow these standardized steps to ensure a successful process:
- Access the Portal: Utilize the official enrolment link provided by COMELEC.
- Complete Forms: Fill out the required personal details and follow the instructions provided on the website.
- Confirmation Notification: Voters will receive an official notification confirming their successful enrolment, granting them access to participate in the internet voting process during the scheduled voting period.
Informative Video Campaign by COMELEC
As part of their awareness campaign, COMELEC and the DFA have released an infomercial featuring popular Filipino actor and comedian, Michael V. The video provides an engaging guide on the entire internet voting process, from enrolment to casting votes. OFWs are encouraged to watch this video to gain a clear understanding of how they can participate. It is available on COMELEC’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.
Stay Updated on Voting-Related Information
For Dubai-based OFWs, staying informed is essential. The election resources, including specific instructions and detailed guidelines, can be accessed via the following official links:
- The updated COMELEC Facebook page for voting announcements and processes.
- The Office for Overseas Voting PH Facebook page for further clarifications.
The joint efforts of the COMELEC and the DFA underscore the Philippine government’s dedication to ensuring an inclusive and comprehensive election process for all Filipinos worldwide. By offering internet voting, the two agencies aim to modernize voting accessibility and reinforce voter participation among overseas communities like Dubai-based OFWs.