PH Embassy: UAE voter turnout at 20%

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – The Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai have officially released the results of the overseas voting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the 2025 Philippine National and Local Elections.

From April 13 to May 12, 2025, out of 189,892 registered overseas voters 20% or 37,976 Filipinos cast their votes.

As per the statement released in its official Facebook page, the Philippine Embassy noted: 13,234 votes were cast from Abu Dhabi while Dubai has 24,742 votes.

During the livestream of the canvassing of the overseas voting in its Facebook page, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinan Ver said the total votes of UAE comprise 17% of about 1.3 million overseas voters.

Ambassador Ver said the figures are positive given this is the first time the online voting was done.

“As of May 10, the total numbers of UAE comprise 17% of all overseas voters. Laki ng share natin. There are so many ways to appreciate the numbers especially fist time eto at bawal ang campaigning dito,” the ambassador said.

During the livestream, the ambassador noted that there were many overseas Filipino voters who participated based on the figures further saying that the online voting was successful.

In a separate interview with Vice Consul Vice Consul Kevin Mark Gomez, chairman of the Special Board of Elections (SBE) and Third Secretary, told GMA Integrated News that the 17% figure is a strong indication that the UAE voters are engaged and participative.

“I wouldn’t stray away from what the Ambassador has said in the livestream but I really believe that the 17% alone gives us a strong standing and it’s a total turn-out for UAE based Filipinos. We see it as a positive thing considering everything was new. UAE delivered, UAE-based Filipinos have spoken,” Vice Consul Gomez told GMA Integrated News.

The voting process took place over a 30-day period and concluded on May 12, 2025, in accordance with the guidelines set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In line with Comelec Resolution No. 11081, the Certificate of Canvass will be posted at the bulletin board of the Embassy's Information Area for public viewing.

The Philippine Embassy and the Consulate General extended their gratitude to the Filipino community, particularly to the voters and accredited poll watchers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, for their active and peaceful participation in the election process.

“The Embassy and Consulate commend the dedication of our kababayans in exercising their right to vote and participating in the democratic process, even while overseas,” the statement read. — BAP, GMA Integrated News

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