The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates has released a significant announcement regarding the participation of Filipino overseas voters in the upcoming May 12, 2025, elections. For the first time, registered Filipino voters in the UAE will have the option to cast their votes online for national positions, marking a historic shift towards increasing voter accessibility and turnout.
Key details on online voting
Filipino overseas voters, specifically those registered at one of the 76 designated posts facilitating online voting, can participate in electing Senators and Party-List Representatives during the 30-day overseas voting period from April 13 to May 12, 2025. The voting will close at 3:00 P.M. UAE Time (7:00 P.M. Philippine Standard Time) on May 12.
To participate, voters must pre-enroll via the COMELEC Voting Portal, which opens on February 27, 2025, and runs until May 12, 2025, before the closing of polls.
What is online voting?
Online voting allows voters to cast their ballots through the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS), using any internet-connected device, such as smartphones, laptops, desktops, or tablets, regardless of the operating system. The OVCS is also accessible via standard web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
For voters facing technological challenges or difficulties, the consulate will provide OVCS kiosks on-site, allowing voters to cast their votes in person from April 13 to May 12 during embassy working hours.
Pre-enrollment process
To participate, overseas voters must follow these steps:
Access the COMELEC Voting Portal and click the “register to vote” link.
Fill out the required forms and complete the identification process by submitting front and back images of a valid ID and performing a live photo capture.
After validation, voters will receive a confirmation to access the voting portal during the official voting period.
Test voting & actual voting
COMELEC will offer a test voting platform to help voters familiarize themselves with the process, using test credentials and email/mobile access. When the voting period begins, voters will use the actual voting website to cast their official votes.
This groundbreaking move, in line with Republic Act No. 9189 as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, is expected to significantly increase voter turnout among OFWs by providing more convenient voting methods.
