800 voters per precinct would be a “safe” ratio during the 2022 elections, according to COMELEC.
COMELEC — The Commission on Elections said on Saturday that 800 voters per precinct would be a “safe” ratio during the 2022 elections.
COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez said that 800 voters for every precinct would be a “safe” ratio during the 2022 national and local elections.
He was asked on Twitter about the COMELEC’s reaction to the recommendation made by former COMELEC Commissioner Luie Guia to only have 500-600 voters per clustered precinct amidst the pandemic.
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According to Jimenez, the planned 800 voters per precinct was due to the availability of vote-counting machines (VCMs) and a lower ratio would require more VCMs.
Jimenez also noted that the poll body didn’t expect 100 percent turnout at the precincts.
The planned 800/precinct is due to the availability of VCMs. A lower ratio would require more VCMs, which we do not have, and probably won’t be able to get. Additionally, note that we don’t expect 100% turnout at the precincts, so even at 800:1, the precincts will be safe. https://t.co/fZPnMNOlDS
— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) December 4, 2021
The poll body noted last September that limiting the number of voters per cluster precinct from 800 to 600 would cost at least PHP 8 billion.
As explained by COMELEC Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, the cost will cover additional vote-counting machines, more precincts, and manpower, among other projected costs.
COMELEC was set to hold mock elections on December 29 in Metro Manila, Albay, Isabela, Leyte, Negros Oriental, Maguindanao, and Davao del Sur.
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