NAMFREL: Postponing 2022 polls will deprive people of seeking accountability from elected officials

The National Citizens' Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) on Friday said the postponement of the 2022 elections would be a violation of the Philippine Constitution and deprive people of their right to seek accountability.

“Postponing the elections violates the Constitution, contravenes the principle of regularity in the conduct of an election, extends the terms of elected officials without being elected anew, and deprives the electorate of seeking accountability from elected officials through the ballot,” NAMFREL said in a statement.

NAMFREL issued the statement after Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo asked Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials if they would consider postponing the polls due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“While Congressman Arroyo's concerns are reasonable, preparations are currently being done by the Comelec and other stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and safe 2022 elections,” it said.

It added Comelec has already put in place guidelines to ensure the safety of voters. Comelec executive director Bartolome Sinocruz previously said that they are considering holding the polls for two days.

"The onus is now on the Comelec to prove that it can be done, to invite confidence from the public and from polling staff that they would not be exposed to infection if they go out to vote or do their poll duties in 2022," it said.

NAMFREL also stressed that other Asian countries such as South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan have proven that it is possible to hold elections despite the pandemic.

"The Philippines should learn from their experiences, and see what could be applied to our setting," it said.

NAMFREL called on election stakeholders and the public in general to uphold their commitment to preserve democratic institutions and Constitutional rights.

“Elections are sacred. They are an expression of the people's collective will through the ballot. Instead of postponing elections, let us all work together to make sure that they happen, even during a pandemic,” it added.

Earlier in the day, Comelec said it sees no need to postpone the May 9, 2022 elections while former Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said that postponing the elections due to the pandemic is without basis.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddy Boy" Locsin Jr. said that postponing the elections would be "treason."—AOL, GMA News