Comelec to choose 6 political parties entitled to field watchers

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will pick out only six political parties entitled to field their own watchers on election day.

In Resolution 7824, the Comelec explained a political party would qualify to dispatch a recognized watcher based on their established records or showing in past elections.

Comelec said they would also check the number of incumbent elective officials belonging to these parties and "their identifiable political organizations and strengths as evidenced by their organized chapters."

Under the resolution, such parties must have the "ability to fill a complete slate of candidates" from the municipal level to national elective positions.

Records showed a total of 35 political parties have expressed their intention to dispatch their own watchers.

Among them are Aksyon Demokratiko, Abag Promdi, Partido Para sa Demokratikong Reporma, Lapiang Manggagawa, Akbayan, AnakPawis, Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy, Asenso Pilipino Party, and Bangon Pilipinas.

The others include Bayan Muna, Bigkis Pinoy Movement, Buhay Hayaan Yumabong, Gabaybayan, Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino, Katipunan ng Demokratikong Pilipino, Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, Kilusan para sa Pambansang Pagbabago, Laban para sa Kapayapaan, Katarungan at Kaunlaran and Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino.

There are also the United Opposition, Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, Partido Demokratiko Pilipinas-Lakas ng Bayan, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, Liberal Party, People’s Reform Party, Nacionalista Party, National Alliance for Democracy, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Organized Support for the Movement to Enhance the National Agenda, Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas, Partido Nacionalista ng Pilipinas, Philippine Green Republican Party, Rizalist Party, Social Justice Society and Sulong! Bayan Movement.

The parties were asked to appear before the Comelec head office in Intramuros on March 15 for a hearing on their petitions. – Sheila Crisostomo