Filipino overseas voting in Bahrain begins smoothly

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The atmosphere at the Philippine Embassy in Mahooz on Day 1 of overseas voting yesterday – or a month ahead of the actual May 9 national elections back home – was festive and cheerful as eligible Filipino voters went to the polls. A significant number began queuing as early as 6.30am eager to exercise their rights as the monthlong overseas voting procedure began at 8am and ended at 4pm.

By midday, a longer line of Filipinos had formed and were patiently waiting their turn to vote. In fact, the pleasant hot weather, which hovered around 28 degrees, proved no match for their warm enthusiasm to exercise their right to vote for the next Philippine president, vice-president, 12 senators, and party-list representative.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Lita Arias, a registered Filipino voter, said she expected the newly-elected government to introduce more welfare measures for the overall development of the nations. “The country faces a lot of issues including unemployment and economic issues.

There has to be efforts to address these issues so that our nation will emerge one of the most socially and economically strong countries in Southeast Asia,” she said. She also expects the government to implement measures for the benefit of large Filipino expat community. Up to 60,000 Filipino expats in the Kingdom will vote through Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) to decide the future leaders in their country.

They will cast their votes at the Embassy from 8am t o 4pm , until May 9 (8am-2pm). All the Embassy personnel’s prepara - tions went smoothly while following strictly the required safety precautions and protocols against the coronavirus (COVID-19) within its premises, such as wearing face mask, observing social distancing, and avoiding large crowds.

Filipinos at home and around the world will select the successor of current President Rodrigo Duterte, as well as the next vice-president. Those abroad are given one month to cast their ballot, starting yesterday. Nine candidates will contest this year’s presidential elections, with Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator, being a favourite to win.

Trailing him in pre-election surveys is Vice President Leni Robredo and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. Boxing legend Sen. Manny Pacquiao is also a candidate.