For the May 2025 National and Local Elections, the Commission on Elections (“COMELEC“) will conduct the first-ever internet voting through the Online Voting and Counting System (“OVCS“) in 76 foreign service posts (“posts“) from different countries. This will benefit around one million Filipinos abroad who are not disqualified to vote, as they can do so in the comfort of their homes by using any electronic device capable of accessing the internet. The actual voting period will be from 13 April to 12 May 2025.
In preparation for the internet voting, COMELEC, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, conducted an information drive and carried out trials. In order to participate in the internet voting, the voter must: (i) be registered as an overseas voter; (ii) be listed under the 76 posts; (iii) undergo pre-enrolment procedures from 27 February 2025; (iv) be able to present a valid identification (ID) and go through a live photo capture; and (v) ensure that his/her information matches that recorded in the National Registry of Overseas Voters. Test voting will also transpire after the voter has finished the pre-enrolment procedures.
During the trial period, several issues were encountered such as the difficulty of registering in the pre-enrolment phase. COMELEC has since been addressing these issues. If the internet voting through the OVCS is proven to be successful, COMELEC will consider implementing this locally to cater to senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and persons deprived of liberty.
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