Comelec reviews Internet voting feasibility in Myanmar, Thailand after quake

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is assessing the feasibility of proceeding with the historic first-ever Internet voting for Myanmar and Thailand in the wake of a deadly and destructive earthquake.

In a press conference on Monday, March 31, Comelec Chairman George Garcia revealed ongoing coordination with the embassy in Myanmar.

“Gusto namin alamin paano nakaapekto yung lindol sa imprastraktura ng bansa at kung magiging effective pa rin ba yung electronic voting o internet voting ng mga kababayan natin sa Myanmar,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

“Otherwise baka ipadala namin kaagad yung mga makina,” he said.

[Translation: We want to find out how the earthquake has affected the country's infrastructure and whether electronic voting or internet voting will still be effective for our countrymen in Myanmar. Otherwise, we might immediately send the machines.]

Comelec data showed 378 registered Filipino voters in Myanmar.

The Department of Foreign Affairs reported that four Filipinos are missing following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar last week, causing destruction as far as Bangkok, Thailand.

Asked if the poll body is also assessing the feasibility of internet voting in Thailand, home to 8,203 registered voters, Garcia said yes.

“Nagkaroon din paglindol diyan sa Thailand, gusto rin nating alamin kung ano ang effect nito sa ating mga kababayan [There was also an earthquake in Thailand, and we want to find out what its impact is on our countrymen there].”

Garcia expressed confidence that if the Comelec decides against proceeding with Internet voting, the poll body could easily print the necessary ballots and deliver these along with the automated counting machines.

Internet voting is set to be used for the first time in the May 12 midterm elections for overseas voters in 77 selected posts.