Poll chief sees 70% voter turnout in 2013 elections

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chair Sixto Brillantes Jr. on Monday said he expects a voter turnout of around 70 percent in this year’s elections. At a press briefing at the Comelec’s national command center at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City, Brillantes said he expects a lower voter turnout this year than in 2010. “Seventy-six [percent] nung 2010. Lower [this year] because [the 2010 polls were] presidential. We expect a lower turn-out now,” he said. Brillantes also said the Comelec hopes to proclaim the 12 winners of the senatorial race by Wednesday night. “National, our target is 48 hours, Wednesday night. Sana maka-proclaim na tayo ng 12,” he said. “We will try to proclaim as many as we can Wednesday night,” he added. Meanwhile, candidates for municipal positions are set to be proclaimed after midnight, while congressional and provincial positions will hopefully be proclaimed in 36 hours. “Magpo-proclaim tayo dun sa municipal siguro after midnight. Paggising niyo baka naka-proclaim na in municipalities.They will be proclaimed probably within 12 to 24 hours,” he said. “Congressional and provincial a little bit longer, probably 36 hours,” he added. Brillantes said the Comelec will officially convene as the National Board of Canvassers at around 6 p.m. Monday night to set up the procedures for canvassing. — KBK, GMA News