UAE online voting starts with positive turnout

The first day of overseas online voting for Philippine elections in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) saw a positive turnout, according to Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Ver.

Ver noted that despite initial technical issues, these were quickly resolved with 24/7 tech support from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and enrollment figures are now hovering at around five percent of registered voters.

Consul General Marford M. Angeles reported higher voter participation compared to previous elections when voters had to queue in person, and the polling precinct welcomed Filipinos needing assistance with online voting system enrollment.

As of April 13, only about 66,001 out of 189,892 registered overseas Filipino voters in Abu Dhabi had pre-enrolled for online voting since enrollment began on March 20.

Ambassador Ver emphasized the importance of voting and assured that despite concerns about hacking, Filipinos have become digitally savvy due to the UAE's digitalization efforts.

Ver highlighted that online voting is practical, secure, and credible, encouraging more registered voters to enroll and cast their votes.