Comelec sets special satellite registration for Bangsamoro plebiscite

Cotabato City (September 11, 2018) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will conduct satellite voter registrations in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on September 11, 12 and 13 as part of its preparation for the upcoming plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). The plebiscite on the BOL will take place on January 21, 2019.

During a press conference held on Monday, September 10, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said special satellite registrations will be held in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Norte, and North Cotabato, and in the cities of Cotabato and Isabela.

The registrations will be overseen by nine teams from the Comelec main office. He said there is an augmentation of the existing workforce conducted by the local election offices in the plebiscite areas. The special registration will cover applications for voter’s registration, transfer of registration, reactivation, change/correction of entries, and inclusion/reinstatement of records.

Jimenez further clarified that those who already registered for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections need not register again during the special registration. Those who are not of proper age, or 18 years old and above, on the day of the plebiscite cannot join the special election, he added.

Meanwhile, Ray Sumalipao, Comelec ARMM Regional Director, said the satellite registration will only cater to the residents of plebiscite areas. However, those who wish to transfer residency, or transfer registration records, may file transfer of registration applications stating their new address. Registrants should present any valid ID. Comelec, Sumalipao said, has alternative ways to identify those who cannot present valid IDs.

“We want to get as many potential voters involved in the plebiscite in consonant with the spirit of the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” he added. The satellite registrations will start from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on the dates mentioned. (By JONG CADION with Bureau of Public Information)