The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported a 52 percent voter turnout in their overseas internet voting test run.

Comelec/MB

In a press briefing, Comelec - Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) Director Sonia Bea Wee-Lozada expressed hope that the May 2022 polls will also have the same result.

"This looks promising because traditionally we never go beyond 50 percent when it comes to voters who actually voted for overseas voting. Historically, its always been below 40 percent," she said on Monday, Sept. 13

According to Comelec, there were a total of 669 qualified test voters that registered to participate in the activity. Of the number, there were 348 actual voters for a 52 percent voter turnout.

The first test run for overseas internet voting started Sept. 11 to 13 using the voting system of Voatz.

Although the Comelec did not give yet their official assessment of the actvity, Lozada said, she personally finds the system efficient, convenient, and safe.

"As a test voter, I think it is efficient in the sense that it didn't take much time as compared to as how you would do voting traditionally," she said.

Lozada said it is also safe because the voter is not exposed to any other people.

"So, that's how we are imagining it especially for overseas voting. Seafarers who may not be on land during the voting period, the internet voting system would be very much convenient and efficient for them," she said.

"Also for OFWs who may not be able to take a day off to visit an embassy or consulate or find it expensive to travel to the nearest polling place," added Lozada.

The Comelec is eyeing the use of the internet voting system for overseas voters in the 2025 polls.

Based on Republic Act No. 10590, the Commission may explore other more efficient voting systems, "whether paper-based, electronic-based, or internet-based technology, or such other latest technology available," for onsite and remote registration and elections and submit reports and recommendations to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee.

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