Independent election watchdogs congratulated the people of Palawan in the central Philippines for the successful conduct of a plebiscite in the province last week.
“Despite the inclement weather and the ongoing pandemic, Palaweños trooped to the polling places to make their voices heard,” read a statement by the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel).
The poll watchdog noted the 60 percent voter turnout “given the challenges” of the pandemic.
The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, meanwhile, thanked thousands of volunteers who offered their time and service during the plebiscite.
The Council operated a Command Center at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral in Puerto Princesa to answer questions and to take note of reports during the political exercise.
Volunteers also served as poll watchers.
Namfrel also congratulated the Commission on Elections “for a job well done.”
The poll watchdog said the Commission’s anti-COVID measures “were appropriate, adequately enforced, and generally adhered to by voters and polling staff.”
“The turnout of voters is also reflective of the people’s confidence that they will be safe and protected if they participate in the plebiscite,” said the group.
The Provincial Board of Canvassers on Tuesday, March 16, proclaimed the rejection of the proposal to divide Palawan into three provinces.
The official tally of the plebiscite showed the “no” votes with 172,304, while “yes” got 122,223 votes.
