Comelec chair Abas gets CA nod

The appointment of Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair Sheriff Abas was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday, May 23. (Photo: Rowena V. Guanzon/Twitter)

The appointment of Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair Sheriff Abas was confirmed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday, May 23.

Abas was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as the new poll chief last November 22, replacing Andres “Andy” Bautista who resigned after his estranged wife accused him of amassing ill-gotten wealth.

In an interview with reporters after his confirmation, Abas vowed to make the upcoming elections credible.

“Hangga’t kaya namin kasi mahirap din ‘yung election. Hangga’t kaya namin, we will assure na magiging credible ‘yung 2019 elections (As long as we can do it because the election is really hard. As long as we can do it, we will assure that the 2019 elections will be credible),” Abas said.

The poll chief said that they still have a lot to enhance for the next elections, such as the activation of all precinct finders, facilities for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and security to avoid a failure of election.

Abas’s confirmation was lauded by the Comelec, saying that their new poll chief was “eminently suited to take the helm,” considering his experience in directly managing critical aspects of 2016 national and local elections and the recently concluded 2018 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

“The entire Commission on Elections celebrates the confirmation of the nomination of commissioner—now chairperson—Sheriff Abas,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said.

“His assumption to the Chair comes at a most opportune time, as the COMELEC is preparing for the 2019 National and Local Elections,” he added.

The Palace, on the other hand, expressed confidence that Abas would carry out his duties “with integrity, excellence, and competence to regain public trust in the electoral body.”

Abas, at the age of 39, become the youngest Comelec chairman and will also be the first poll chief from Mindanao.

The Comelec chief is nephew of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader Mohagher Iqbal.

He was first appointed to the Comelec as commissioner by former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in 2015.

Abas’s term is set to expire on February 2, 2022.