Comelec logo (INQUIRER.net stock image)
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is eyeing to allow more observers of its preparations for the May polls now that COVID-19 restrictions have been eased.
“We are in a new environment now. That will, of course, give more room for more observers to pay attention to these venues that we have,” James Jimenez, spokesperson for the Comelec, said in an interview.
Poll watchdogs, including the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections, earlier criticized the Comelec for not allowing poll observers to see their preparations for the national elections. But Jimenez assured the group that more observers will now be allowed in the different areas where the Comelec operates.
“It is good to have more transparency in the system. And with COVID-19 restrictions easing now, it is the right time to do that,” he added.
“It won’t just be the servers, but also the National Printing Office and the Sta. Rosa facility of the Comelec,” Jimenez said. —Tina G. Santos
RELATED STORY
Poll watchdog observing Comelec mock elections