The Philippine National Elections in 2022 are rapidly approaching. It will take place between April 10th and May 9th, 2022. Having said that, Filipinos living in Bahrain can vote in the upcoming elections in a timely and safe manner by validating their details against the list of certified overseas voters at the Philippine Embassy. With this in mind, it is critical that registered overseas Filipinos understand the procedures and requirements for voting in overseas elections in their host countries.
However, keep in mind that this may vary from region to region, so make sure you follow standard procedures. Before beginning the overseas voting process, overseas voters in Bahrain are encouraged to double-check their information on the Philippine Embassy’s website. To begin, review this guide to learn the step-by-step approach for a seamless and trouble-free overseas voting experience from Bahrain.
Contents
- Voting Guidelines in Manama, Bahrain for the 2022 Philippine Elections
- Step by Step Procedure of Voting as a Filipino in Bahrain
- Overseas Filipino Voting Schedule in Bahrain
- Voting Procedures as Shared by PH Embassy Bahrain
- Video: HALINA’T BUMOTO!
- Reminders
- Prohibitions
- Rules to be Observed
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary
- Contact Information
- Google Map Location
Voting Guidelines in Manama, Bahrain for the 2022 Philippine Elections
Filipinos in Bahrain who are registered voters may now vote quickly and securely. The next stage is to partake in the overseas voting procedure at the Philippine foreign post between April 10 and May 9 (1 month) after authenticating their name on the country’s list of certified overseas voters (CLOV).
Of course, no one likes waiting in line or having their plans disrupted on any given day. Nonetheless, it is advisable for overseas Filipino workers and Bahrain residents to plan for the overseas voting session. Here’s how to get started.
Step by Step Procedure of Voting as a Filipino in Bahrain
Step 1 – Check if your name is on the list of registered voters in Bahrain here.
Step 2 – Vote wisely.
You should know who to vote for at this point, including the candidates’ work history and political backgrounds, as well as their ideas on employment, health, foreign workers and immigration, to name a few.
Step 3 – Cast your ballot in the vote-counting machine or VCM (formerly known as the PCOS machine).
This will allow for a more efficient ballot assessment and counting. Also, make sure you’ve filled out all relevant sections of the ballot so you don’t miss any names of whom you want to vote.
Step 4 – Get the indelible ink marked on your index finger.
When you leave the Embassy, this will serve as proof that you voted earlier. That’s it! You may now leave the poll to go home, work, enjoy the day with your friends, or relax quietly.
Overseas Filipino Voting Schedule in Bahrain
Voting for the overseas elections begins at 8 a.m. local time to 7 p.m. Philippine time from April 10, 2022, through May 9, 2022,
During this time, walk-ins are welcome at the Embassy. However, in order to vote in the continuing overseas absentee voting, you must authenticate your details on-site.
The Philippine Embassy has shared the voting procedures when casting your vote at the office. Please be guided on this infographic below:
Step 1: Proceed to the designated area (Tent 1) for verification of your name. The Embassy personnel will inform you of your precinct and queueing number.
Last names: AALA to LA TORRE, SBEI 1 (Sentro Rizal, Ground Floor)
Last Names: LACAP to ZURETA, SBEI 2 (Conference Room, 1st Floor)
Step 2: If there are no voters in the polling precincts, the Embassy personnel will advise you to proceed to your respective precincts. If the seats for voters inside the polling precincts are already filled, the voter will be advised to go to the designated waiting areas (Tents 1 and 2).
Step 3: Upon arrival at your precinct, approach the member of the SBEI and present your ID and the queueing number given. The member of the SBEI will request you to affix your signature to the List of Overseas Voters with Voting Records. You will receive your official ballot signed by the SBEI Chairperson inside the ballot secrecy folder.
Step 4: Leave your phone/gadgets in the deposit box on the table of the SBEI.
Proceed to your assigned seat and accomplish your ballot. Follow the instructions carefully on how to shade the ballot and how many candidates you can select for the specific position you are going to vote for.
Step 5: After completing your ballot, proceed to the Vote Counting Machine (VCM) to cast your vote. A member of the SBEI will assist you.
Step 6: Wait for the machine to generate and print the Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT). This will show you the list of candidates you voted for. Fold it and place it inside the VVPAT receptacle.
Step 7: Congratulations! You have successfully voted. You may now leave the polling precinct.
Please be reminded that loitering around the Embassy premises after voting will be strictly prohibited.
Video: HALINA’T BUMOTO!
The DFA has made a public advisory video on the forthcoming overseas elections available. More information on how to vote from abroad may be found here.
Every OFW and Filipino immigrant in Bahrain must vote overseas in order to exercise their right and allegiance to the nation as Filipino citizens.
No matter where they are in the globe, all Filipinos must educate themselves on what to do and expect on election day.
Reminders
- Bring a valid Identification Card (ID), Passport, voters ID, UMID, SSS ID, PHL Driver’s License, Bahrain CPR
- Proper Ballot Shading – fully shade the circle in front of the name of the candidate you wish to vote for.
- Wrong Ballot Shading – Avoid unnecessary markings on your ballots.
- Do note Overvote – If more than the allowed number of seats for the position is voted, none of the votes for the position will be counted.
- An undervote is ok – If less than the allowed number of seats for the position is voted (all votes for the voted candidates will be counted). The VVPAT / Receipt will indicate ‘undervote’ for the unfilled slot.
Prohibitions
- Voters shall not bring mobile phones or cameras inside the voting precinct. All mobile devices and cameras shall be deposited to the SBEI prior to ballot issuance.
- Voters shall not be accompanied by anybody in accomplishing the ballot. Except for illiterate and physically-challenged.
- Voters shall not speak to anyone while accomplishing the ballot.
- Voters shall not intentionally tear, deface, or erase any printing on the ballot or put any distinguishing marks thereon.
- Voters shall not accomplish the ballot without using the ballot secrecy folder.
- Voters shall not show the contents of his/her ballot to any person.
- Voters shall not bring the ballot outside the designated voting area.
Rules to be Observed
- No Mask, No Entry – Health protocols shall prevail during the entire duration of the election period.
- No political activities are allowed in the Embassy – No loitering inside the embassy premises. Only applicants with transactions are allowed inside the Embassy premises.
- Voters shall vote in order of arrival at the polling place.
- No crowding of voters and disorderly behavior.
No persona carrying firearms or deadly weapons shall enter the polling place. - No watchers shall enter the designated voting area for the voters and the area reserved for the SBEI, nor mingle and talk with voters.
Overseas Filipinos have until the end of the month to vote. This should give people plenty of time to think about and research who they should vote for as the country’s next leader. Once they’ve decided, staff from the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain will help them in voting correctly and consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to be able to vote in the 2022 National Elections?
During the election period, Filipino citizens are required to bring their original passports or mariners’ books to the polls.
How do I know if I am a registered voter in Bahrain?
The list of Filipino voters in Bahrain, as well as Filipino seafarers, is available on the Commission of Elections (COMELEC) website or at the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain. In the Philippines, only registered voters will be eligible to vote in the 2022 elections.
How does COMELEC decide on which voter records to deactivate?
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will only deactivate the records of voters who did not vote in at least two elections.
When can applicants collect their Voter’s ID?
The Commission on Elections has paused the distribution and production of voter identity cards across the country due to the implementation of Republic Act 11055, or the National ID System.
The Philippine Statistics Authority is working tirelessly to implement the country’s National ID system. It is intended to be adopted in all foreign service posts by 2022.
Where can I find important information and updates on overseas voting?
Filipinos in Bahrain are invited to remain up to date on election news by following the Philippine Embassy’s various social media platforms.
Summary
The Philippine Embassy in Bahrain aims to make the overseas voting process as simple and convenient as possible for all Filipinos living in the country. As a result, they advise Filipinos living in the nation to double-check the list of certified overseas voters (CLOV) before heading to the Embassy to vote beginning April 10.
So, based on the instructions presented in this guide, will you be able to participate in the coming elections? If not, what has been your primary challenge in this process? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below. Also, if you have friends or family based in Bahrain who might benefit from this guide, don’t hesitate to share this with them!
READ NEXT: How to Contact Philippine Embassy in Manama, Bahrain
Contact Information
Embassy of the Philippines in Manama, Bahrain
Villa No. 939, Road 3220, Block 332, Mahooz, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
Telephone – 1772-1234
Fax- 1772-0827
Email- manama.pe@dfa.gov.ph
Office Hours: The working hours of the Embassy’s consular section are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day, from Sundays to Thursdays. ATN Services are provided on a 24/7 basis, even on weekends and legal and religious holidays.