THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released the official schedule for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) through Resolution No. 10902, promulgated on March 22, 2023.
After several delays, the BSKE will finally take place, as per the Comelec resolution dated May 03, 2023: "Revised Calendar of Activities and Periods of Certain Prohibited Acts in connection with October 30, 2023, Synchronized Barangay Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE)."
Key dates in the schedule include election period and gun ban - August 28 to November 29; filing of certificate of candidacy - August 28 to September 2; prohibited campaigning period - September 3 to October 18; campaign period - October 19 to 28; prohibited campaigning and liquor ban - October 29 to 30; election day - October 30, voting hours from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and last day of filing Statement of Contribution and Expenditures (Soce) - November 29.
To facilitate the election process, Comelec deployed election-related cargoes to various offices, including provincial, municipal treasurers, and cities nationwide, on August 1.
According to Atty. Gay Enumerables, Comelec-Davao region spokesperson, preparations are underway. The voters' list has been printed, certified, and sealed to be posted on bulletin boards in their offices. The region is currently awaiting the delivery of ballot boxes for use in the election.
Aspiring candidates can access the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on the Comelec website. Voters can verify their inclusion in the voters list by visiting the Comelec office.