MANILA — An election watchdog on Thursday expressed hope that two new commissioners of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would be appointed soon.
National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) secretary general Eric Alvia said it would be good if those who would be named to the posts are information technology (IT) experts or have a wide experience on project or general management.
“Experience with these skill sets could greatly improve the execution of projects/components related to the automated election system and the conduct of elections,” Alvia said in an interview.
He also noted that the next appointees need not be lawyers.
At the same time, the citizens arm of the Comelec in the just-concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) added that it would be better if President Rodrigo Duterte would complete the seven-man commission, since the next national polls is less than a year away.
“It should be filled up already, especially with preparations for 2019 midterm elections and a possible plebiscite,” he said.
Namfrel, meanwhile, welcomed the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) nod on the appointment of Commissioner Sheriff Abas as the poll body’s new chairman.
“Namfrel wishes Chairman Abas well as he spearheads the Comelec in addressing the challenges of holding free and orderly elections in the country, and in continuously pushing for necessary electoral reforms,” the group said in a statement.
Aside from Abas, the Comelec en banc is also composed of Commissioners Luie Guia, Al Parreño, Rowena Guanzon, and Socorro Inting.
The election watchdog is also confident of his capabilities, considering his performance in the recent village and youth elections.
“We witnessed Chairman Abas working closely with election stakeholders during the May 14 BSKE elections. Namfrel is confident that his collaborative style of leadership is good for Comelec and for its mandate,” it added.
Abas is the first Muslim and the youngest chairman of the poll body. He is also the first Comelec chairman from Mindanao. (PNA)
