Overseas voting registration in Riyadh starts Nov. 12

Filipinos in Saudi Arabia may start registering for overseas absentee voting (OAV) for the 2013 midterm elections on November 12, Philippine officials there said. In an advisory on its website, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh said the filing of applications for registration will be from Saturday to Wednesday. “The registration would allow all citizens of the Philippines abroad who are not otherwise disqualified by law, at least 18 years of age on the day of the election, and who are registered overseas absentee voters with approved application to vote in absentia, could vote for Senators and Party-List Representatives," it said. According to the embassy, the filing of applications for registration will be from Saturdays to Wednesdays during working hours, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. “New OAV registrants are advised to submit a copy of their Philippine passport or iqama as a basic requirement for registration," it said. Registered overseas absentee voters who failed to vote twice in the 2007 and 2010 elections, and who intend to vote in the Kingdom for the 2011 elections, are advised to register anew as their names were removed from the National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters. Those seeking more details may contact Attaché Maribeth Ferrer at telephone number 01-482-1918. Earlier, the Embassy in Riyadh said it will be closed from November 1 to 7 in observance of the All Saints Day and for Hajj and Eid Al-Adha holidays. - VVP, GMA News