Comelec suspends anew voter registration nationwide

In a statement, Comelec executive director Bartolome Sinocruz Jr. said the extension was approved in line with the government’s decision, extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 15. (File Photo By Elmer B. Domingo – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has again suspended voter registration nationwide until June 30, 2020.

In a statement, Comelec executive director Bartolome Sinocruz Jr. said the extension was approved in line with the government’s decision, extending the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until May 15.

“The conduct of voter registration is not yet advisable since there will be restrictions on the movement of people and on certain activities,” he said.

Sinocruz said the suspension covers voter registration in all Comelec offices and satellite registration sites.

“The period from May 1 to June 30 will give the Commission time to put in place anti-Covid-19 measures in relation to the conduct of the registration of voters once it resumes,” Sinocruz said.

He said the issuance of Voter’s Certification remains suspended until April 30, or until such time that the ECQ shall have been lifted by proper authorities.

This is the third suspension of the system of continuing registration of voters due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As early as March 9, all Comelec offices in all cities and municipalities nationwide were directed to suspend voter registration until March 31.

On March 27, the Comelec resolved to reschedule the lifting of the suspension from March 31 to April 30.