DAVAO CITY, Philippines—The rebellion and violence that gripped the island of Mindanao triggered the Commission on Elections to postpone the conduct of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this year.
Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said the Comelec En Banc on Tuesday, Sept. 5, issued an 11-page resolution ruling in the affirmative, the postponement of the local polls.
The Comelec spokesperson said the current security situation in Mindanao served as the basis of the poll body’s ruling.
“The Commission today (Tuesday) promulgated an 11-page resolution resolving the question of postponement in the affirmative; the BSKE2017 in Mindanao has been postponed, citing the existence of lawless violence and rebellion which formed the basis for the declaration of martial law in the area,” he said in a statement.
Based on the poll body’s decision, “Barangay officials shall remain in office despite the postponement and shall continue to be the choice of the electorate.”
“The Commission shall immediately conduct the Barangay and SK elections not later than 30 days from the cessation of the cause of postponement of elections,” it added.(davaotoday.com)
