With fluctuating COVID-19 cases in recent months, the May 2022 Philippine national elections will still need to be conducted under pandemic conditions.
In a policy research paper, the Ateneo School of Government (ASOG) estimates that the Philippines needs to allocate PhP 17.5 billion additional funds to COVID-proof the elections. It also sets the parameters for holding safe, free, and fair elections, given the government’s pandemic management response and its challenges.
As we near the elections, it is crucial to understand the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) plan in safeguarding the health and safety of voters as they exercise their right to participate in this historic election. Last April 20, 2022, PARTICIPATE organized a roundtable discussion among COMELEC, medical practitioners, and election stakeholders regarding the plan and how stakeholders can collaborate to ensure the plan’s success.
Synthesis Notes:
- The COMELEC and the Department of Health (DOH) assured the public that safety protocols are in place for the 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE).
- The COMELEC outlined the General Instructions to the Board of Canvassers, the conduct of elections at the precinct level, and the safety measures within the polling place. These measures include setting up a quarantine facility and the use of single entry and exit points in a school compound.
- The DOH affirmed that the guidelines are in line with the minimum public health standards (MPHS). The DOH also reminded the participants of the benefits of vaccines and the practice of MPHS.
- The public should continue to be alert and prepared on election day. While there has not been a surge of COVID-19 cases in the past weeks, health officials cannot predict and confidently say there will be no new outbreak. The experts still caution everyone about crowding and possible transmission. DOH suggested to COMELEC to place safety officers in polling places tasked to manage voters who may show up with COVID-19 symptoms.
- Will elections be postponed if there is a surge of cases and lockdowns will be implemented? The COMELEC representative was adamant that the law shall be carried out, and by the book of the law, the elections should be held on May 9, 2022.
- Information is key – the protocols are in place and MPHS is the normal. The right information from the right sources should bring confidence to voters everywhere that it is safe to vote and that their right to vote shall be upheld.
Watch the replay here.
Read the unity statement here.