Poll watchers face charges for shading ballots
Two poll watchers in an Abra precinct are now facing legal charges after a video showed them shading voters’ ballots. Despite being told to stop, they continued this act, which is prohibited. Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia confirmed their removal from the precinct.
Unauthorized assistance not allowed in precincts
Garcia emphasized, “Wala pong karapatan, wala pong kapangyarihan, at hindi po awtorisado ang mga watcher na maging assistor ng isang precinct.” This means poll watchers have no right or authority to assist voters. Only members of the electoral board may help, especially when the voter is elderly, has a disability, or is illiterate and has no companion.
Legal consequences of shading ballots
The Comelec chairperson also warned that any irregularities during election day, such as unauthorized shading of ballots, could lead to election offenses. He explained, “’Yung pag re-represent na pwe-pwede kang, authorize ka na mag shade ng balota ‘yan po ay bawal. Therefore, one to six years imprisonment po ‘yan.” This means those caught shading ballots on behalf of voters face imprisonment from one to six years.
Ensuring a fair election process
These actions aim to protect the integrity of the election process. The public is reminded to report any suspicious activity during voting to maintain transparency and fairness. The removal and charges against the poll watchers in Abra serve as a strong message that such offenses will not be tolerated.
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