Baghdad:Batanes The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that the election and campaign periods for the upcoming special election in Batanes will commence on Thursday. This special poll, scheduled for November 28, is being held to fill the vacancy left by the late Batanes Representative Ciriaco Gato Jr., who passed away on September 21.

According to Philippines News agency, the election period will run from October 29 to December 13, while the campaign period is set from October 29 to November 26. During this time, several activities are prohibited. These include the carrying of firearms or deadly weapons in public, use of security personnel by candidates, and vote-buying or vote-selling. The transfer of civil service employees, coercion of election officials, and certain fundraising activities are also banned.

During the campaign period, additional restrictions apply. These include prohibitions on the distribution and use of illegal campaign materials, making donations, and using special police or confidential agents. Public funds disbursement, construction of public works, and hiring of new employees are also restricted.

Four candidates are competing to represent Batanes in the House of Representatives. They include Edward Ike de Sagon (Independent), John Gato (Nationalist People's Coalition), Luis Andres Abad (Liberal Party), and Marilou Cayco (Partido Federal ng Pilipinas).