Comelec eyes 60-65% voter turnout in special election for Kiko Barzaga's replacement

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said it is ready to conduct the August 29 special election to determine the replacement of former Cavite 4th District Representative Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said election materials, including ballots, have already been deployed.

“Handang-handa na kami dyan sa pagsasagawa ng special elections (Comelec is ready to conduct the special elections in Dasmariñas City),” Garcia told reporters.

“Hopefully, makapag-proclamation kami ng Linggo, August 30 (Hopefully, we can proclaim the winner on Sunday, August 30),” he added.

Garcia said he hopes the special election will achieve a voter turnout of 60% to 65%.

“Pag plebisito or special elections, laging mababa ang percent. Sana mas mataas ang boboto sapagkat importante naman na magkaroon ng representation sa Dasmariñas,” Garcia said.

(Plebiscites or special elections usually have low voter turnout. Hopefully, more people will vote because it is important for Dasmariñas to have a representative.)

The legislative post became vacant after the House of Representatives expelled Barzaga in June for disorderly behavior and conduct unbecoming of a House member, including repeated failure to fulfill his duties as a lawmaker.

House ethics panel chairperson and 4Ps party-list Representative JC Abalos said expulsion was the only appropriate penalty for Barzaga, as he failed to change his ways despite serving two 60-day suspensions without pay. — VBL, GMA News