Comelec limits number of people in canvassing venue; to impose health rules

Comelec resumes the canvassing of votes in this file photo taken during the 2019 elections. INQUIRER.net file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) released on Tuesday its general instructions for the board of canvassers including the health protocols for the upcoming 2022 polls in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comelec, under Resolution 10731, which was promulgated last November 17, enumerated its Health and Safety Rules for the board of canvassers in the upcoming elections.

The poll body will limit the number of people inside the canvassing venue to ensure physical distancing.

“In case of limited space, an order of preference of watchers and lawyers shall be strictly observed inside the canvasing venue to limit the number of people. They shall be present one at a time and not together at any given time, depending on the alert level status,” the resolution read.

Comelec will only allow only one political party representative; the representative of an independent candidate or the candidate themselves; and one counsel per candidate and watchers at a time.

The Comelec also requires the board of canvassers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who have not been fully vaccinated are required to undergo antigen tests.

Wearing of face masks and face shields, temperature checks and health declaration forms will also be implemented.

The national and local elections will be held on May 9, 2022.

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JPV