Comelec focused on preps for 2019 polls despite possible postponement

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) remains focused on the preparations for May 2019 midterm polls amid calls for its postponement.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez vowed to continue their ongoing efforts in connection with the holding of the fourth automated elections in the country next year.

“The institution remains focused on the task at hand: preparing for the 2019 National and Local Elections, scheduled for May 2019,” he said in an interview on Thursday.

“I believe the (House) Speaker has not actually or formally initiated any action to postpone the 2019 polls,” Jimenez added.

On the other hand, the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has opposed the plan to postpone the next national and local elections.

Namfrel secretary general Eric Alvia noted that regular elections should be held in the country.

“We should adhere to periodic and genuine elections,” he said in a separate interview.

On Wednesday, House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said it would be more “practical” to postpone the 2019 midterm elections to pave the way for the transition to a federal form of government. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)

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