The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially concluded the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) with the completion of ballot canvassing in all 42,001 barangays across the country.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia announced on Wednesday that the voting and canvassing process was 100% complete nationwide, with no reported failures of elections. The BSKE took place on October 30, except for seven barangays in Lanao del Sur and Samar, which held their elections a day later due to delays in the arrival of election materials.
With the exception of candidates subject to suspension orders by the Comelec and those participating in races with tied votes, all winning candidates have been proclaimed.
Garcia emphasized that the electoral boards followed the required five-day notice rule, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. Despite isolated incidents of violence, the Comelec characterized the long-awaited Barangay and SK polls as “largely peaceful.”
According to the Comelec, a total of 19 individuals lost their lives during the election period, with 19 others sustaining injuries from August 28, the beginning of the election cycle, until the polling day on October 30.
The majority of these incidents occurred in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Source: PhilNews24 | November 1, 2023
