Comelec hoping to finish tabulating BOL plebiscite results today

Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is hoping to finish tabulating and verifying within the day the results of the Bangsamoro plebiscite held in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato.

“We are looking to complete it today. So hopefully matapos natin yung canvass today,” Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said on Wednesday during a forum.

“Ang na-dedelay lang dito is that we are tabulating the results, but all of the returns are in and hopefully again, sana matapos natin today,” he added.

The proclamation on the possible inclusion of the province of Lanao del Norte and some municipalities in North Cotabato have already been postponed twice.

The first time that it was deferred was last Monday since the tabulation and audit committee only managed to finish verifying 20 percent of the total number of votes.

READ: Comelec postpones announcement of 2nd BOL plebiscite results to Tuesday

The second one happened on Tuesday since the committees concerned were not yet done tabulating the results in four municipalities in North Cotabato.

READ: Comelec suspends anew canvassing of BOL plebiscite votes

The poll body earlier targets to finish the canvassing of votes for the February 6 plebiscite within four days. /jpv