Comelec: Elections in Cebu peaceful, successful

Few voters left Monday afternoon in Tuburan. (CDN PHOTO / JAMES SAVELLON)

DESPITE malfunctioning vote-counting machines and delays that caused long lines at polling precincts, yesterday’s elections in Cebu was “generally peaceful and successful”, the regional Commission on Elections (Comelec-7) said.

Regional Comelec Director Jose Nick Mendros said there was no election-related violence reported and verified as of 6 p.m when voting ended and tabulation of votes began.

Mendros credited the success of the elections in Cebu to the efforts of Comelec, the military and police and groups like the Cebu-Citizen’s Involvement and Maturation for People’s Empowerment and Liberation (C-Cimpel).

Compared to past elections in the recent years, C-Cimpel Spokesman Msgr. Joseph Tan said the election this year improved considerably.

Tan said most of the complaints they received consisted of VCM glitches, brownouts, long voting lines and unverified vote buying reports.

Tan said long lines outside voting centers can be considered a “good complaint” because it showed that voters were not afraid to line up and vote.

“When voters go out to vote without fear, it should be attributed to the PNP and
AFP,” Mendros said.

Col. Arnulfo Matanguihan, 302nd Brigade Commander of the military, said they still have to secure the canvassing of votes.