The Commission on Elections (COMELEC)- Zamboanga City office has advised voters not to bring backpacks inside polling centers on election day as part of the security measures that will be put in place.
Election Registrars Jesus Alvin Lim of District I and Joseph Tria of District II said the prohibition on the bringing of backpacks inside polling centers on Monday, November 25, is expected to speed up security checks and consequently the voting process.
Lim and Tria asserted that security measures have to be imposed to ensure peaceful and orderly barangay elections in the city, which will be held almost a month late compared to other areas in the country in view of the recennt armed conflict between government troops and lawless elements affiliated with Nur MIsuari last September.
Police and military authorities have mapped out a comprehensive security plan for the November 25 special barangay polls.
Meanwhile, voting for barangays affected by the armed conflict to include Rio Hondo, Mariki, Arena Blanco and Sta. Barbara will be held at the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) where polling centers will be set up.
Distribution of election paraphernalia to the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) will be done on Saturday, November 23 for those assigned in far flung barangays and Sunday, November 24 for those assigned within the 7-kilometer radius. The distribution area will be the City Coliseum in Tetuan.
The COMELEC-Zamboanga City office will temporarily remain at the City Government building in Villalobos Street.
On the other hand, the campaign period which started November 15 will wind up on November 23. Candidates are advised to strictly comply with election rules and regulations or face sanctions that include among others, disqualification.
Nov. 25, Monday is a special non-working holiday in Zamboanga in lieu of the special polls. (Sheila Covarrubias)
