PHL Consulate in Dubai foils Pinoy's attempt to vote twice
Philippine officials in Dubai on Monday said they have foiled an attempt by a Filipino voter there to vote twice during the second day of the month-long overseas absentee voting period.
In a press release, the Philippine Consulate in Dubai said the Filipino, identified only as JS, first cast his vote at the consulate's premises on Sunday morning (Dubai time).
However, an hour later, the same Filipino proceeded to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office to cast another vote.
"Upon verification, JS was immediately informed by the SBEI (Special Board of Election Inspectors) chairman about the matter but he denied casting a vote earlier that day," the consulate said.
It added that JS "hurriedly left" the POLO compound before he could be presented a copy of Certified List of Overseas Voters bearing the name, picture and signature which he affixed after casting his first vote.
"The Consulate has already informed the COMELEC (Commission on Elections) about this case," the consulate said.
Double voting is punishable under the Philippine National Election Code.
The consulate said overseas "flying voters" may face arrest and other penalties upon their return to the Philippines.
A total of 1,386,087 have registered for the overseas absentee voting for the May 9 elections, and the Comelec is expecting an 80-percent voter turnout.
Overseas absentee voters may only vote for the president, vice president, senators, and partylists.
The voting period will last from Saturday, April 9 (8 a.m., host country time), to Monday, May 9 (7 p.m., Philippine time). - Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News
- See more at: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/562466/news/pinoyabroad/phl-consulate-in-dubai-foils-pinoy-s-attempt-to-vote-twice#sthash.6Mnfr7MJ.dpuf
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