Comelec flags vote discrepancies in 7 countries, 63 barangays

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified discrepancies between certificates of canvass (COCs) and statements of votes by precinct (SOVPs) in overseas voting, specifically in Nigeria, Czech Republic, Mexico, Myanmar, Vatican, Timor Leste, and Norway.

These discrepancies were also noted in 63 barangays in North Cotabato.

Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia stated that the Tabulation and Audit Group reported these variances.

The poll body will follow the SOVP as the source document in correcting the discrepancies, as per Comelec rules.

While considered minor and likely due to human error, the discrepancies will still be investigated by the Comelec law department.

The Comelec's National Board of Canvassers has completed the vote canvassing for senatorial and party-list positions from all overseas certificates of canvass.

The province of Lanao del Sur is the sole remaining area for the official tally, with 172 out of 173 certificates of canvass already counted.

Special elections are being prepared for several barangays in Lanao del Sur where a failure of elections was declared due to violence and irregularities, affecting approximately 6,291 voters.