ILOILO CITY, (PNA) -– The Commission on Elections-Region 6 (Comelec-6) estimated a turnout of up to 80 percent of the total 4.2 million registered voters in Western Visayas in Monday’s barangay elections.
The figure is higher than the May 13, 2013 midterm elections voter turnout of 77 percent.
The Comelec-6 declared the barangay elections in Region 6 generally peaceful and orderly, with some minor incidents in some villages.
Election Regional Director Dennis Ausan said the higher turn-out is expected as voters are now aware of their rights and have the willingness to take part in the democratic electoral process.
In Iloilo City, 33 female inmates at the Iloilo City Police Office holding center were allowed to vote after the court granted them permission to go to their polling centers until 12 noon.
A “flying voter” incident was recorded at Polling Center 0837-A in Barangay Guzman, Mandurriao district here after it was verified by the voter herself that her name was already signed by someone else.
The Comelec instructed the Board of Election Inspectors to note down the particular ballot number, and consider it as an excess ballot that should not be counted during the canvassing. The true voter was allowed to vote.
Meanwhile, Ausan said the COMELEC has replaced the missing ballot box containing unfilled ballots and other election paraphernalia carried away by a strong river current in Barangay Mahabang Sapa in Cuartero town, Capiz.
The municipal treasurer was empowered to prepare emergency ballots and the election in the area proceeded from 12 noon to 5 p.m., he said.