Special polls in Basilan, Lanao Sur reset anew

MARAWI CITY, Philippines  – Special elections in Lanao del Sur and Basilan have been postponed anew by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). 

The special polls have already postponed twice. They were supposed to be held yesterday but were reset to Oct. 2 and now to Nov. 13, as the contract submitted by Smartmatic-TIM was approved only last week.

“This materially affects the timeline for preparations for Oct. 2 special elections,” the Comelec said.

At least some 80,000 voters are expected to vote in the special elections, according to the Comelec, which is spending some P21 million for the polls.

Meanwhile, the Comelec, through the Philippine National Police, is now enforcing the gun ban for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Oct. 25.

The gun ban took effect yesterday, also kicking off the start of the election period for the barangay and SK polls, said Tanjie Macadindang, Comelec city election officer.

The filing of certificates of candidacy is from Oct. 1 to 13. The campaign period starts on Oct. 14 and ends Oct. 23, Macadindang said.