The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said voter turnout is in no way determinative of the validity of electoral exercises.
Still, the poll body expressed confidence that there will be a sizeable voter turnout in the May 2022 polls.
“The Comelec remains confident of a sizable voter turnout despite COVID fears," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in a statement Wednesday, July 28.
"This projection is borne out by international experience—most, if not all, elections in other jurisdictions showed a higher than average voter turnout—and local experience in the Palawan Plebiscite last March," he added.
The poll body also assured the public that it is undertaking all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of voters in the upcoming elections.
"The Comelec greatfully acknowledges Senator (Miguel) Zubiri’s becoming concern and assures the distinguished Senator and the Filipino people that all necessary steps to ensure the voting public’s safety throughout the 2022 election period, most especially on election day, May 9, 2022, are being undertaken by your Commission on Elections," said Jimenez.
Senator Zubiri on Wednesday bared results of a Pulse Asia survey showing that 46 percent of respondents would not vote on Election Day if COVID-19 cases in their barangay are high.