BOL plebiscite turnout ”edging up to 75%”: Comelec

February 6, 2019

Tuesday night's explosions in Lanao del Norte on the eve of the second plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) failed to stop voters as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) estimates turnout at 75 percent.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the plebiscite held in  Lanao del Norte (except in Iligan City) and in seven towns of North Cotabato is showing to be ''very successful.''

“We don’t know yet about how the voter turnout will shape up. But, at least in some places, we’ve received reports that the estimate is edging up to 75 percent,” he said.

Asked if the twin explosions can be related to the plebiscite, he said it may be immaterial.

"The timing is ridiculous. It happened on the eve of the elections. How can it not be election-related? And even if it was not election-related to begin with, the fact that it went off on the eve of the elections automatically makes it election-related. It will have an impact whether intended or not,” said Jimenez.

Jimenez, citing history, said people there have always been ''very politically active''.

''I suppose that would be one of the reason. They feel strongly about these elections,” said Jimenez.

On late Tuesday afternoon, twin blasts hit two towns in Lanao del Norte.

Jimenez noted absence of delays in opening polling precincts.

“By 8:30 am, we received the report of 100 percent of the precincts of Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato opened and functioning,” said the poll official.

The National Plebiscite Board of Canvassers is scheduled to convene  Thursday to await for the transmission of eighth Certificates of Canvass (COCs).

They include one provincial COC from Lanao del Norte and one municipal COC each from Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan, Pikit, and Tulunan in North Cotabato. DMS'