The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will employ a messaging platform to expedite the canvassing of votes for the special elections in Batanes scheduled for November 28. This innovative approach aims to ensure that results are transmitted quickly and efficiently.
Comelec chairperson George Garcia announced on October 28 that the decision comes in response to the region's susceptibility to tropical storms, which can disrupt the physical transfer of ballots.
Addressing Weather Challenges in Batanes
What we did now is we included in our rules that the municipal board of canvassers can transmit results through Viber.
George Garcia, Comelec Chairperson
Garcia highlighted that the rough sea conditions often begin as early as 2 p.m., complicating the timely movement of ballots from barangays to municipal centers and ultimately to the provincial capitol. To mitigate this, the Comelec has authorized municipal boards of canvassers to send results via Viber, pending the consent of candidates and their representatives.
- Results will be transmitted without waiting for physical copies of votes.
- Starlink satellite internet will be utilized to ensure connectivity.
While the elections will be conducted manually, the use of Starlink will facilitate internet access for transmitting results. Garcia assured that this method will not compromise the integrity of the elections while allowing for faster proclamations of winners.
Garcia noted that the 1987 Constitution permits Comelec to establish rules that uphold transparent and orderly elections. He emphasized that timely result delivery is crucial in maintaining public trust, especially during highly competitive races.
If successful, this pilot initiative may set a precedent for future elections and plebiscites, reflecting an effort to modernize the electoral process in areas prone to natural disruptions.