MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will provide local dialect translations of voter instructions in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls set on October 23.
According to Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, the poll body came up with the initiative through Minute Resolution No. 17-0503, in a bid to minimize probabilities of voter errors.
“The purpose is to ensure that proper instructions to voters are given in major dialects, so as to minimize errors in filling out the ballots,” he said.
The voter instructions will be translated in Waray, Bicolano, Kapampangan, Bisaya, Ilokano, and Ilonggo.
Dialects of Cebuano and Chavacano were also earlier considered but were eventually scrapped.
“The Commission resolves to approve the translation of instructions in native dialects, which will be posted in all precincts nationwide in connection with the October 23 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE),” the Minute Resolution said.
The order noted that translated instructions in all precincts nationwide must be printed on bond papers and must be posted or attached to the cover of the Ballot Secrecy Folder.
For the sake of uniformity, all local Election Officers shall use the template/design to be prepared by the Comelec Education and Information Department and make available for download at the commission’s official website.
He noted that not all dialects will be translated, particularly Mindanao dialects because the BSKE in Mindanao was suspended.
“In Luzon and Visayas, translations are available only for the most widely spoken dialects,” Jimenez added. (PNA)
