Elections in Sulu to push through

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured yesterday the elections in Sulu will push through despite the ongoing hostilities there between Muslim rebels and government troopers.

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said that only three municipalities are affected by the military operations while there are more than 80 towns in the province.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured us that 10 days before the May 14 elections, they will stop all operations so that the (residents) can return to their polling places," he noted in a press briefing at the Pope Pius Center in Manila.

Sarmiento added that there were only requests in areas like Basilan and Sulu for a clustering of vote precincts and the Comelec is looking for a place where it could be done.

As the commissioner in charge of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Sarmiento is likely to recommend this for the approval of the Comelec en banc.

In Marawi, a similar request was made and the poll body had already found three "spacious areas" for this.

"Under the Omnibus Election Code, the canvassing should be held at the provincial capitol. But in situations where it cannot be done in the provincial capitol, we have to look for a place that is neutral and accessible to all," he said. – Sheila Crisostomo