Even if the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage next year, it’s unlikely that the general elections in May will be postponed. Proceeding with an orderly and credible vote without aggravating COVID transmission is high on the agenda of the Commission on Elections as it prepares for the 2022 polls. The Comelec will need a lot of help in this challenging task, as the highly infectious Delta variant pierces even vaccine protection.
The first major step on the road to the elections is the registration of new voters and revalidation of old ones. The list-up has been delayed by renewed lockdowns due to a COVID surge attributed to Delta. Comelec officials have said there will be no extension of the deadline, but the hours may be extended and Saturday registration may be allowed.
Another major step is the filing of certificates of candidacy this October. Traditionally held at key Comelec offices across the country, the poll body is now considering moving the COC filing venues to prevent the usual massing of large crowds especially at its main office in Intramuros, Manila. Even if candidates heed health protocols and do not bring along their supporters for the COC filing, kibitzers and fans could crowd around celebrity candidates.
Whichever alternative filing venue is picked by the Comelec, local government units as well as police and barangay personnel should assist the poll body in crowd control. LGU officials seeking elective posts should lead by example and refrain from bringing along large numbers of supporters.
Then there is the voting itself. The Comelec has said online voting is not allowed by law. The Comelec is also cool to proposals to hold the vote over two or more days. One reason is the lack of funds, which the Comelec says will be substantial even for a one-day extension. Comelec officials have also pointed out that previous electoral exercises have shown the perils of leaving filled out ballots sitting overnight before these are forwarded to canvassers.
Among the options now being explored are longer voting hours on election day. While this will likely call for additional personnel, the requirement will not be as great as in multiple days of voting.
All the measures being considered appear workable. By May next year, COVID vaccination would be much advanced, but the health risks would still be there as variants continue to emerge. Working for orderly and clean elections must be balanced with the need to protect public health.