The 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections were smooth and generally peaceful, poll watchdogs said on Monday, despite reports of at least three election-related deaths.
Poll watchdogs praised the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the electoral boards for being well-prepared and for handling the voting process efficiently.
The Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Lente), the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) all commended the polls in their initial assessments.
With 50,000 volunteers nationwide, Namfrel stated that the Comelec electoral boards were well-prepared and efficiently managed the voting process within the polling centers. Observers noted that voting began promptly at 7 a.m., with all electoral board members present and the necessary election materials in place.
They also commended the pilot testing of early voting hours for seniors and mall voting, which helped to reduce long lines and make the voting process more accessible for vulnerable groups.
However, the watchdogs also noted some irregularities, such as missing names in the voters’ list and unlawful electioneering. They urged the Comelec to address these issues in future elections.
Overall, the poll watchdogs gave a positive assessment of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections. They said that the elections were well-organized and that voters were able to exercise their right to vote freely and fairly.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 30, 2023
