UK supports Comelec and CHR to increase voter turnout in 2010

British Ambassador Peter Beckingham commended the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and their partners for pushing for effective systems and resources to help marginalised sectors exercise their right to vote in the 2010 elections.

“The right to vote is a fundamental component of a working democracy. I commend the Comelec, CHR, IFES and Task Force 2010 for their efforts to increase voter registration and electoral turnout amongst the marginalised sectors. By helping them become aware of their entitlement, these sectors would become more inclined to assert their rights and have a say in choosing their leaders,” said Beckingham.

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), in co-operation with the Comelec, CHR and Task Force 2010 identified populations that are the least inclined to vote due to their unique circumstances. The group is conducting a series of regional consultations to help increase voter registration and electoral turnout amongst the identified vulnerable sectors.

The project, sponsored by the British Embassy, also works towards more lasting policy reforms to ensure equal opportunity for vulnerable sectors to exercise their right to suffrage.

CHR Chair Leila de Lima recently spoke before some 70 representatives of the seven vulnerable sectors, namely: the youth, persons with disabilities, elderly, detainees, indigenous peoples, internally displaced persons, and migrant workers.

“This work has been about giving these groups a stronger voice in society, so it only makes sense for us to actively seek them out, engage them in discussion, learn from them, and work with them throughout this process… We are working to ensure that marginalisation will be dealt with before the 2010 elections,” said de Lima during the regional consultation held in Davao City.

There have been some encouraging developments, according to de Lima, particularly in relation to the right to suffrage of detainees. After a round of consultations, the Commission on Elections released in May a resolution providing the means for detainees to be able to participate in next year’s elections.

“This is key because, when the power of government is disconnected from the will of its people, when the government refuses to heed their voices, then human rights violations become a common occurrence. Regular elections which are clean and credible, free and transparent, and whose results reflect the will of the people, are one of the best checks on government arrogance and abuse,” said de Lima.

Further rounds of consultations will be held in Pampanga, Baguio, Calbayog and Zamboanga to be spearheaded by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), an independent non-governmental organisation providing professional support to electoral democracy.
Notes for Editors

For further information, please contact:
Shane Male [Project Manager] 858 2213
Oya Arriola [Political and Communications Officer] 858 2363
Lynn Ayers-Plata [Press, Visits and Events Officer] 858 2203