The nationwide mock election is being held today (Dec. 29) in 34 voting centers designated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The mock elections started in several schools in the National Capital Region (NCR), Isabela, Albay, Negros Oriental, Davao del Sur, Leyte, and Maguindanao at 6:00 a.m.
Because the national elections will be held amid the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, health protocols are being strictly implemented.
The wearing of facemasks, face shields, and the taking of body temperature is required.
There will be an isolation area for those who show signs of COVID-19 symptoms.
A voter’s assistance desk where the precinct number of a voter will be given will also be present to avoid crowding.
According to the Comelec, they do not expect the mock elections to be perfect. They are, however, hoping to see the possible problems that may be encountered for the upcoming 2022 elections.
“We do not expect this to be a high turn out [of] events. Historically speaking, ang mga Pilipino [ay] hindi naman talaga masyadong excited kapag tunay na elections,” Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said.
“We expect that this will be our opportunity for us to see precisely where the problem areas are,” he added. Report from Karen Villanda/PG – bny