MUCH like in the May 2022 national and local polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, August 19, 2022, said it wants to see a high voter turnout in the forthcoming Maguindanao plebiscite set on September 17.
Speaking during the Maguindanao Plebiscite Coordinating Conference held in Cotabato City, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are hoping that the high voter turnout seen in May would be replicated during the plebiscite on the proposed division of the province into two.
"If the voter turnout was 85 percent in Maguindanao during the May 2022 elections... we hope that we will have 80 percent or more than 80 percent (for the plebiscite)," said Garcia.
"Whatever your position is, whether it's a yes or a no, the most important thing is you are able to cast their votes," he added.
The poll chief said this is the reason why they are strongly encouraging Maguindanaoans to cast their votes on September 17.
"If you want to be split into two provinces, we will respect that. If you want to stay as a single province, we will also respect that. What is important is that your voices are heard," said Garcia.
He also rallied all plebiscite stakeholders in Maguindanao to work together to ensure that all registered voters will be able to cast their votes.
"It is not enough that the 'yes' or the 'no' wins. We should be more concerned on is ensuring that people will be able to vote. Always, sovereignty resides in the people," Garcia said.
Garcia directed all election officials and personnel in the province to maintain impartiality in the conduct of the plebiscite.
"Let us show everybody that the Comelec, under the Constitution and with our firm commitment, will be impartial and will always be neutral. Whatever is the mandate of the people, it should be the one that comes out," said Garcia.
The plebiscite is set to be held in Maguindanao over the question of whether the voters agree or disagree to divide it into two provinces, namely Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.
The Comelec will be holding the Maguindanao plebiscite with the use of the manual system of voting under Republic Act No. 11550. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)