Comelec extends voting hours in Al-Barka, Basilan to 9 p.m. amid delays

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has extended the voting hours in Al-Barka, Basilan from until 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the Comelec En Banc made the decision after the election in the municipality was delayed because the teachers were barred from bringing the election paraphernalia to their designated polling centers.

"Sa Al-Barka, Basilan, dalawang oras po natin inextend yung pagboto po nila hanggang alas 9 ng gabi," Garcia said during the press briefing at the Comelec Command Center in Cotabato City.

(We will extend the voting hours for two hours until 9 p.m. in Al-Barka, Basilan.)

He explained that elections in the municipality began around 10:30 a.m. after members of the Moro Islamic Liberal Front, government forces, and partisan groups had a heated discussion.

"Hindi na nakapasok at nakakuha ng mga gamit, lalong-lalo na ng mga balota ang mga grupo natin (Our teachers were unable to get the election materials, especially the ballots)," Garcia said.

However, with the intervention of the poll body and security forces, the teachers were able to bring the election materials to their designated polling centers.

According to the Comelec, the transmission of partial and unofficial results of the BARMM polls would begin after the polls close at 7 p.m. and the printing of the first nine copies of the election returns.

BARMM held its first parliamentary elections on Monday, September 14, with 2.393 million registered voters.

Garcia earlier said he is hoping for a 65%-70% voter turnout in the BARMM polls.

He had also urged voters to have courage and participate in the polls despite the recent violent incidents and pre-shaded ballots.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/1002270/marcos-comelec-to-barmm-voters-don-t-be-afraid-to-cast-your-votes-amid-incidents/story/?amp