SC: Comelec cannot disqualify candidates for nuisance status based on low prior votes

The Supreme Court ruled that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) cannot automatically declare candidates as nuisance bets solely based on receiving few votes in previous elections.

The high court granted a petition filed by Subair Guinthum Mustapha, who was declared a nuisance candidate by Comelec for securing only 5,387 votes in the 2022 Lanao del Sur congressional race.

The Supreme Court emphasized that a candidate's perceived incapabilities or disadvantages, including a lack of campaign funds, should not be grounds for disqualification.

The Court expressed hope that Comelec would instead encourage candidates to overcome challenges and promote a robust right to candidacy, ensuring the electorate has enhanced freedom and informed choice.

Despite Mustapha losing in the 2025 elections, the Supreme Court proceeded to rule on the case to set a precedent for future elections, as the issue could arise again.

The SC stated there was not always a direct link between a candidate's seriousness to run and the votes they garnered in a previous election.