Commission on Elections spokesperson James Jimenez. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Eight hundred voters per precinct would be a “safe” ratio during the 2022 elections, Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez said on Saturday.
Jimenez was asked on Twitter about the poll body’s reaction to a scenario of having 500 to 600 voters per clustered precinct amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The planned 800/precinct is due to the availability of VCMs (vote-counting machines). A lower ratio would require more VCMs, which we do not have, and probably won’t be able to get,” Jimenez responded.
“Additionally, note that we don’t expect 100% turnout at the precincts, so even at 800:1, the precincts will be safe,” he added.
The planned 800/precinct is due to the availability of VCMs. A lower ratio would require more VCMs, which we do not have, and probably won't be able to get. Additionally, note that we don't expect 100% turnout at the precincts, so even at 800:1, the precincts will be safe. https://t.co/fZPnMNOlDS
— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) December 4, 2021
In September, the Comelec noted that limiting the number of voters per cluster precinct from 800 to 600 would cost at least P8 billion.
Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo explained that the cost will cover additional voting machines, more precincts, and manpower, among other projected costs.
The poll body is set to hold mock elections on December 29 in Metro Manila, Isabela, Albay, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Maguindanao, and Davao del Sur.
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