Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to start on Friday the deployment of election paraphernalia for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) slated next month.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia announced that the initial deployment will include essential materials such as batteries and forms, with ballots and automated counting machines to be distributed in the following days. "We will start deploying the equipment by Friday afternoon, first in Tawi Tawi and then in other provinces in the region," Garcia mentioned during an interview at the Comelec central office in Manila on Thursday.
Garcia outlined the timeline for the deployment, stating that they aim to complete the distribution of paraphernalia by September 30. "By September 30, everything should be deployed up to the municipal level. From the municipal level, it needs to be delivered to the teachers because of the final testing and sealing of the machines," he explained.
The training of election personnel, particularly teachers, has already commenced. Garcia also highlighted that 1,000 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel are undergoing training to assist in the elections alongside the teachers. "As far as the Comelec is concerned, all systems go to Bangsamoro," he affirmed.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is home to 2.3 million registered voters, all of whom will participate in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
