Comelec adopts color-coding system for classifying poll hotspots

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has adopted a color-coded “calibrated categorization system” to classify generally peaceful areas from critical locales in the upcoming barangay and Sanggunian Kabatan polls to further its bid to improve election management processes.

On Friday, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the Philippines will be divided into four categories: green for areas with “nominal” situations; yellow for places with a history of political unrest; orange for those with the presence of armed groups and organized movements outside of the law; and red for “critical areas.” 

Most of the country will be under the green category, he said, but the spokesman declined to disclose figures on which areas will be placed under which color code as the matter is still being finalized by the Armed Forces and the police.

The term “election hot spot” will officially replace the Comelec’s “areas of concern,” he said.

Election hot spots will be color-coded so government can prepare a set of responses to particular situations, such as if a need for an augmentation of government troops arises, he said.

The Comelec intends to keep the system for the country's succeeding elections, too, he said.

"We are preparing for 2019. We are trying to systematize. It's part of the ongoing process to improve electoral management," Jimenez said.

A resolution on the color-coding system will be subsequently released. 

The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will push through on May 14 after two postponements. An election gun ban has been in place since April 14. — RSJ/KBK, GMA News