Comelec to check if village polls can proceed in quake-stricken areas

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The Commission on Elections will conduct an assessment to determine if the barangay (village) elections can push through in areas badly affected by the powerful earthquake that struck Bohol Tuesday morning.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said they are now awaiting the report of their field officials to see if the polls can push through in Bohol and other affected areas, including parts of nearby Cebu province, on Oct. 28.

“We still don’t know how this impacts our preparations … but it is still too early to say whether or not we can continue the elections there. We are looking into it right now,” said Jimenez.

The Comelec official noted that among the things they would consider is the status of the schools, which will be used as voting centers, as well as the situation of the residents who may be using the schools as evacuation centers.

“As much as possible, we want the elections to push through so we are gathering more information right now,” said Jimenez.

It can be recalled that among the factors considered by the Comelec in suspending the elections in war-torn Zamboanga City were the condition of the schools in the city, many of which were either destroyed by heavy fighting or used as evacuation centers by displaced residents.

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