Listing of party-list groups no longer alphabetical

Manila, Philippines – Party-list groups may just have to rely on luck to get to the top of the list in ballots and get more attention from voters, as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has decided to do away with the system of listing their names in alphabetical order beginning in the 2013 polls.

In a resolution, the Comelec said the order of appearance in ballots of party-list groups would now be determined through raffle.

“Only party-list groups/coalitions accredited by or duly registered with the Commission, and which have manifested their desire to participate in the party-list election, may participate in the raffle,” the Comelec said.

The raffle would be held on Dec. 14 at the Comelec session hall at the Palacio del Gobernador Building, in Intramuros, Manila. Based on the resolution, Comelec will have three representatives in the raffle. Representatives of party-list groups and members of media would also be present.

The Comelec shall use a raffle drum or tambiolo with numbered balls corresponding to names of the party-list groups. After verification, the name of the party-list group/coalition being represented by the number drawn shall be written on a board, depicting the order of listing in the ballot. The ball drawn shall not be returned to the raffle drum. –Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star)