Lawmakers want probe on OAV system issues abroad

Bayan Muna lawmakers have requested an investigation into the alleged disorganized overseas absentee voting (OAV) system for Eleksyon 2022, citing issues faced by Filipino voters abroad.

House Resolution 2554 was filed by Representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat, and Ferdinand Gaite, urging the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms to address the complaints.

Specific issues highlighted include the insufficient number of vote counting machines (VCMs) in Hong Kong, where only five were provided instead of the usual ten, leading to long queues and thousands of voters being unable to cast their ballots on the first day.

Problems were also reported in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia, China, the United States, France, Italy, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Timor Leste.

The lawmakers suggested that providing more VCMs, along with measures like voter scheduling and extended voting hours, could improve the process and accommodate more overseas voters.

Concerns were also raised about the alleged distribution of pre-shaded ballots to voters.

The Bayan Muna representatives emphasized the importance of ensuring that no massive disenfranchisement occurs in the overseas voting process.