Low voter turnout in Malabon

Malabon voters showed no interest in yesterday’s plebiscite for the ratification of the town’s cityhood yesterday as low voter turnout was observed in all polling stations.

But still, local official expressed optimism the "yes" vote will prevail.

"The latest electoral exercise, though peaceful, registered a very low turnout," Malabon Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Armando Mallorca said.

Mallorca, however, could not provide exact figures on those who trooped to the polling precincts to cast their votes.

Mallorca said he could not say whether or not the "yes" votes would prevail following the low voter turnout.

Most local officials, led by incumbent Mayor Amado Vicencio and reelectionist (Malabon-Navotas District) Rep. Federico Sandoval II were confident the town’s cityhood will be ratified.

The Northern Police District Office (NPDO) and local police led by Superintendent Ernesto Fojas Jr. said yesterday’s plebiscite was generally peaceful as no plebiscite-related violence was reported.

"As shown by the low turnout of voters and their apparent lack of interest on the matter, it was expected that the electoral exercise should be peaceful. This happened because only a small fraction of voters have participated," NPDO director Senior Superintendent Vidal Querol said.

Insiders at the office of the local poll body estimated that only about 10 percent of voters trooped to the polling precincts to cast their votes.

"That’s possible because in many precincts it was reported that only a maximum of 30 voters cast their votes until closing time at 3 p.m.," a teacher who requested anonymity, said.

As of this writing, Mallorca’s office has started the canvassing of votes. The official result was expected to be announced late tonight. – Jerry Botial