Filipino expatriates in Bahrain urged to register for overseas voting

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Eligible Filipino voters residing and working in the Kingdom of Bahrain are urged to register for the May 2022 Philippine national elections. The overseas voting registration is continuing at the Philippine Embassy located in Mahooz.

The process is part of the embassy’s efforts to gradually shift back to normal consular operations while strictly following the required safety precautions and protocols within its premises.

All qualified Filipino citizens residing and working abroad – better known as the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) – who have not yet registered should visit the embassy as a personal appearance is required. In October last year, the embassy resumed the activity following a five-month suspension due to the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Overseas registration started in December 2019 and will run until September 30, 2021.

The next Philippine general elections – set to take place on May 9, 2022 – will select the successor of current President Rodrigo Duterte. According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Manila, overseas voters may cast their votes in Philippine embassies, consulates, and other posts for one month, from April 10 to May 9 next year.

Qualified Filipino voters residing and working abroad will choose the next president, vice-president, 12 senators and a party-list representative. Details or biometrics will be captured and those who want to register must bring along a photocopy of a valid passport. For seafarers, a seaman’s book is required aside from a copy of the Philippine passport.

Today, more than 60,000 Filipinos live and work in Bahrain, including professional, skilled and semi-skilled, and household service workers.