Philippines admits irregularities in voter’s registration

COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / July 20, 2012) – The Philippines admitted on Thursday that the concluded 10-day registration of voters in the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao was marked with irregularities.

But Manilawas quick to say that the Commission on Elections was able to reduce the numbers of suspected illegal voters in the region from about 1.8 million to just 1.2 million.

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is composed of the province of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao, and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.

“While there have been reports of irregularities, the COMELEC has been able to reduce the number of registered voters in the ARMM from 1.8 million to only 1.2 million, a significant reduction that will more faithfully represent the democratic principle of one person, one vote,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.

He said: “The pursuit of genuine electoral reform within ARMM binds the Aquino administration and its allies in both Houses of Congress. With our continued solidarity, our resolve, and the participation of our countrymen, ARMM will succeed in attaining enduring reform in governance where its leaders have clear and convincing mandates through clean and fair elections.”

Lacierda also praised those who helped make the voter’s registration peaceful.

“Today marks the end of the voter re-registration by the Commission on Elections in the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao. We commend the individuals and groups that came together and helped ensure the success of the reform initiative, most especially our uniformed personnel who kept the peace during the 10-day period,” he said. (MindanaoExaminer)