‘Palawan plebiscite test run for 2022 polls’
MANILA, Philippines — The plebiscite in Palawan on March 13 will serve as a test run of the health protocols to be implemented by the Commission on Elections in the May 2022 polls amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas said yesterday.
“Through this plebiscite, we want to see if the policies that we will formulate are effective. Among these protocols are the wearing of face mask and face shield and maintaining physical distancing,” Abas said.
He said they are considering allowing only five voters in polling precincts.
Abas said the poll body is also looking at extending the voting hours to prevent crowding.
The plebiscite to ratify a law dividing Palawan into three provinces – Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental and Palawan del Sur – may be held for two days.
Around 500,000 voters have registered for the political exercise.
Abas said the Comelec would regulate the number of watchers that candidates and parties are allowed to dispatch on election day as well as the counting and canvassing of votes during the 2022 polls.
“If the pandemic is not over by the time we hold our elections, we will certainly be implementing health and safety protocols,” he said.
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