During the exercise, select registered overseas voters in Singapore experienced the key components of the online voting process, including online enrollment and verification of voter identity, test and actual voting, and on-site enrollment using the OVCS kiosk.
PH Embassy in Singapore, Comelec conduct mock elections
At a glance
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine Embassy in Singapore conducted a mock election exercise utilizing the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS), which will be introduced to overseas voters for the first time in the upcoming elections.

This initiative, conducted on Jan. 25, was part of Comelec's nationwide mock elections for the 2025 polls.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the mock elections.
“There is no other way but internet voting, so I am happy to host this important event," he said.
"I am confident that we will have a higher turnout considering that Filipinos in Singapore are internet-savvy and will have their voices heard in shaping our nation’s future," he added.
Comelec Commissioner Aimee Ferolino commended the Philippine Embassy in Singapore and its participants for their active involvement despite short notice, stating how mock elections are crucial in ensuring overseas Filipinos can cast their votes smoothly and securely.
The mock election aimed to rigorously test and evaluate the end-to-end overseas voting process utilizing the OVCS ahead of its official debut in the 2025 elections.
During the exercise, select registered overseas voters in Singapore experienced the key components of the online voting process, including online enrollment and verification of voter identity, test and actual voting, and on-site enrollment using the OVCS kiosk. The election results were counted, canvassed, and transmitted to the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) within an hour from the close of the mock elections.
Singapore, home to the second-largest number of registered overseas voters in the Asia-Pacific region, was selected as the only foreign service post to pilot this exercise.
In preparation for the mock elections, Philippine Embassy personnel deputized as electoral board members underwent comprehensive technical training on OVCS use a day before the mock elections.
Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) members were trained on the use of the OVCS administrative portal, equipping them with the skills to manage the voting process effectively. Members of the Special Board of Canvassers (SBOC) were likewise trained on the automated canvassing process and transmittal of votes to allow secure and efficient handling of election results.
In addition to participating in the nationwide exercise, feedback gathered from the two-day activities would be used to fine-tune systems and address any challenges ahead of the official pre-enrollment period, set to begin on March 10, and the actual month-long voting period from April 13 to May 12 for overseas voters.