BACOLOD City – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a show-cause order to another Negros Occidental candidate in the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) for alleged premature campaigning.
Provincial elections supervisor, Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, said the candidate from Sipalay City was also asked to address alleged vote buying activities.
Aside from this, the Comelec-Negros Occidental received two complaints of alleged early campaigning in Cadiz City.
Ananoria said as the BSKE nears, they have been frequently receiving reports of premature campaigning through the solicitation of support from barangay leaders, distribution of groceries and giving out money.
However, he said so far no one has filed a complaint regarding early campaign activities through social media posting or the use of campaign posters.
Earlier, Ananoria warned BSKE candidates that they are not allowed to campaign until the official campaign period begins on Oct. 19 until 28.
The provincial elections supervisor 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 that this is challenging due to the sheer number of candidates. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
