Filipinos living and working in Bahrain can apply for overseas voter registration for the 2028 Philippine national elections.
The registration period began on December 1, 2025, and will continue until September 30, 2027.
Under COMELEC’s rules, eligible overseas Filipinos may register for the first time or request changes to their existing voter records.
Who Can Register as an Overseas Voter?
Filipino citizens who will be at least 18 years old on May 8, 2028, may register if they meet the qualifications under Philippine law.
This includes qualified OFWs, immigrants, seafarers, and dual citizens.
Filipinos previously registered in the Philippines who expect to be overseas during the voting period may apply for overseas voter certification.
Those whose registrations have been deactivated may request reactivation.
Where to Register in Bahrain
Filipinos may visit the Philippine Embassy in Manama.
Philippine Embassy in Bahrain
Building 2186, Road 2755
Block 327, Adliya
Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone: +973 1772 1234
Email: manama.pe@dfa.gov.ph
The Embassy has previously used this location for overseas voter registration and has published advisories directing applicants to complete their applications personally.
Applicants should check the Embassy’s current registration hours and service arrangements before visiting.
What Documents Are Needed?
Applicants should prepare their completed OVF1 form and a valid Philippine passport.
Eligible seafarers may present their Seafarer’s Record Book.
Dual citizens should prepare the relevant citizenship approval or identification certificate.
Those requesting changes to their personal information should also bring supporting documents.
How to Register as an Overseas Voter in Bahrain
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Prepare the OVF1 application form.
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Check the Philippine Embassy’s current registration instructions.
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Bring the applicable identification and supporting documents.
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Visit the Embassy or an authorized registration activity.
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Submit the application and complete the required verification.
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Have biometrics captured, as applicable.
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Keep the acknowledgment receipt.
An acknowledgment receipt confirms that the application was received, but it does not automatically mean that the application has been approved.
Can Filipinos in Bahrain Register Online?
Filipinos may use COMELEC’s iRehistro for Overseas Voters to accomplish their application forms.
The online portal allows applicants to generate a printable OVF1 form.
However, applicants must still personally complete the required registration process.
This distinction is particularly relevant because the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain previously issued an advisory about an iRehistro service interruption in 2023.
That advisory explained that applicants could continue registering in person using manual forms when the online form generator was unavailable.
The 2023 advisory should not be treated as evidence that the current portal remains unavailable. COMELEC’s updated iRehistro registration page is available for applicants to check.
What Filipinos in Bahrain Should Do Next
Filipinos planning to participate in the 2028 Philippine elections should check their existing registration status and prepare the required documents.
Applications should be completed before September 30, 2027.