Number of OAV registrants hits over 980,000 – DFA

MANILA, Philippines - The total number of overseas absentee voting (OAV) registrants in the recently concluded 2013 OAV registration/certification reached a record 988,384, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The DFA received reports from all Philippine diplomatic posts and Manila Economic and Cultural Offices (MECOs) involved in the 2013 OAV registration/certification period last Oct. 31.

Although missing the one million target by a slim margin, the DFA said the 2013 OAV registration figures broke all past OAV registration records for the 2004 (364,187), 2007 (143,236) and 2010 (235, 950) national elections in terms of new OAV registrants.

The traditional trend that a senatorial election garners less OAV registrants compared to a presidential election was erased by the 2013 OAV registration figures, which surpassed both 2004 and 2010 presidential elections OAV registration numbers.

The total number of new OAV registrants for the 2013 elections reached 398,554.

“Add this to the stock total of 589,830 and the 2013 registrants now reach the grand total of 988,384,” the DFA said.

According to the DFA, the concerted global effort for OAV is evident as it did not only make history but it also solidified global political participation by overseas Filipinos, generating a sense of awareness and proving that OAV is truly an important political exercise.