Youth and labor groups protest alleged poll fraud at Comelec

Youth and labor groups protested outside the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros, Manila, against the initial results of the Eleksyon 2022, citing alleged electoral fraud.

The protesters voiced opposition to the apparent victory of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and alleged irregularities by the poll body, such as malfunctioning Vote Counting Machines (VCMs).

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia clarified that batch-feeding ballots to machines was part of contingency plans, not a means to cheat.

Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo reported swift delivery of VCM replacements and deemed other occurrences isolated incidents that would not affect the election's integrity.

On Wednesday, a throng of police assembled at the Comelec head office in Intramuros, Manila, to secure the area in anticipation of further protest rallies.

A separate protest also took place at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, condemning the May 9 polls for alleged fraud and irregularities.