THE Commission on Elections will conduct mandatory satellite registration in areas where there are indigenous peoples, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, detainees and senior citizens, in every barangay to ensure a wider participation from among them.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the poll body had observed that only a few people from these groups were registered voters because of the distance of Comelec offices and the strenuous waiting in long queues for the application to register.
“We want the voter registration process to be inclusive; as long as you are qualified, then you should enjoy your right to vote,” Jimenez said.
He said the Comelec had deployed field personnel, well-trained on how to properly identify and respond to the needs of these groups.
“The encoding of demographics and taking of biometrics data are sensitive processes, especially among these groups,” he said, adding “our field officers are trained to properly identify and respond to these needs because we cannot emphasize enough the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity to prevent disenfranchisement among these groups.”
Jimenez also encouraged local government units to open their day care centers for women with small children on registration days.
Meanwhile, only more than 10,000 have so far registered during the first week of the continuing voters’ registration for the 2017 barangay and sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The Comelec is expecting more than 5 million new voters for the barangay and SK elections scheduled for next October.