The Commission on Elections (Comelec) may release its guidelines on the 2022 national and local elections on Oct. 1.
In an online forum on Thursday (Aug. 19), Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said they are coordinating with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to finalize the implementation of the protocols on the nearing elections.
The commission disclosed that in-person campaigning including the prohibition of mass gatherings and public display of affection such as handshaking and hugging will be part of their guidelines.
Meanwhile, Jimenez said they will not prohibit individuals who show symptoms of COVID-19 to vote, instead, they will allow for them to cast their vote in an isolated voting area to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Naniniwala ang Comelec na ang pagkakaroon ng karamdaman ay hindi pwedeng dahilan para hindi kayo makaboto. Hindi po disqualifying ang pagkakaroon ng COVID,” he said.
The Comelec also assured that they will allot polling areas that are easy to access for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD).
(PTV News)/NGS-rir
