BACOLOD City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Negros Occidental reminded candidates for the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) that they are not allowed to campaign until the official campaign period begins.
Comelec provincial supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria emphasized that prematurely displaying streamers or banners with the name and face of a candidate can be considered premature campaigning, which is an election offense. Complaints can be lodged with the Comelec against such actions.
The Comelec is also monitoring candidates’ posts on social media, but Ananoria admitted this is challenging due to the sheer number of candidates.
The official campaign period is on Oct. 19 to 28.
Comelec-Negros Occidental officials also revealed they are 90 to 95 percent ready for the upcoming elections.
The arrival of election paraphernalia and the scheduled training for poll workers are the only remaining preparations.
In the coming months, areas of concern will be identified through collaborative meetings involving the Comelec, the Philippine National Police, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said Ananoria.
The agency’s validation process for candidates and areas with a history of electoral violence also continues.
At present, checkpoints are being established throughout the province as the election period officially commenced on Monday, Aug. 28. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN