No extension of voter’s registration – Comelec

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is unlikely to extend the registration for voters for the May 2016 elections.

Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista said the poll body has given voters sufficient time to register and the Comelec also needs sufficient time to prepare for the automated elections.

“We believe that we have given enough time for our voters to register... So, right now, no more extension,” Bautista maintained.

There are still 3.8 million voters who have yet to submit their biometrics data and may not be able to vote in next year’s elections, according to the Comelec.

Voter registration started on May 6, 2014 and is set to end on Oct. 31.

Registration is being conducted from Monday to Saturday nationwide in local Comelec offices, while satellite registration is being held in barangays and malls.

Bautista hopes that the public will take advantage of the remaining days for registration.

“Filipinos love to wait for the last minute, so we are reminding them to register or have their biometrics taken as early as now,” he said.

The Comelec still expects more than 53 million voters will be able to register and cast their votes.