To the Filipinos who are working in United Arab Emirates (UAE) and wish to vote, you can visit the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Philippine Consulate General office in Dubai and Northern Emirates to cast your vote.
Filipinos living around the world are gearing up to vote from their host nations. From April 10 through May 9, 2022, overseas absentee voting (OAV) will be conducted.
That being said, Filipinos living in UAE, can vote quickly and safely in the upcoming elections by checking their names against the list of certified overseas voters at the Philippine Foreign posts. With this in mind, it is critical that registered overseas Filipinos understand the procedures and requirements for voting in their respective nations in the upcoming elections.
Also Read: Official List of Certified Filipino Voters in UAE for 2022 National Elections
However, bear in mind that this may vary from region to location, so make sure you follow the proper requirements. Overseas voters in UAE, are advised to double-check their information on the website of the Philippine Foreign posts before proceeding with the overseas voting procedure. To get started, you may refer to this tutorial to learn about the step-by-step process for a smooth and trouble-free overseas voting experience in the UAE.
Voting Guidelines in UAE for the 2022 Philippine Elections
Registered Filipino voters in UAE may now vote easily and securely. After verifying their name on the country’s list of certified overseas voters (CLOV), the next step is to schedule a trip to the Philippine foreign posts for the overseas voting procedure, which will run for an entire month – between April 10 and May 9.
Of course, no one likes to spend a long time standing in line or to have their plans disrupted on any given day. However, it is ideal for overseas Filipino overseas workers and residents in UAE to prepare their schedules for the overseas voting session. Here’s how to get started.
Step by Step Procedure of Voting as a Filipino in Abu Dhabi
Step 1 – Check if your name is on the list of registered voters in the UAE list of certified overseas voters.
The Philippine Foreign Post has released the list of certified overseas voters (CLOV) 120 days before the election period. Registered voters should find their names on the list. Those who do not, won’t be eligible to vote in the upcoming elections.
Step 2 – Vote wisely.
You should know who to vote for at this point, including the candidates’ job history and political background, as well as their policies for employment, health, foreign workers, and immigrants, to name a few.
Step 3 – Cast your ballot in the vote-counting machine or VCM (formerly known as the PCOS machine).
This will enable a more expeditious examination and recording of the votes. Also, make assured that you have darkened all relevant sections of the ballot so that you do not miss any names for whom you intend to vote.
Step 4 – Get the indelible ink marked on your index finger.
When you depart the Foreign posts, this will serve as proof that you voted earlier. That’s it! You may now exit the poll to go home, to work, enjoy the day with your friends, or relax alone.
Step by Step Procedure of Voting as a Filipino in Dubai
The PCG Dubai has released a step by step guide on how you can vote at the Philippine Consulate General office in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Please be guided accordingly:
Before going to the polling center
Step 1: Check if your name is on the list of Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV)
Step 2: Prepare your valid ID (passport/Emirates ID/other PH-government issued ID)
Step3: List down your candidates on paper because cellphones are not allowed inside the voting precinct.
Upon arriving at the polling center
Step 1: Get in the queue.
Step 2: When prompted by the poll volunteer, present/hand over your passport or Emirates ID or any PH government-issued ID.
Step 3: The poll clerk will verify if you are qualified to vote.
Step 4: If you are qualified, wait for your turn to proceed to poll precinct.
Upon entering the precinct
Step 1: Wait for the name to be called.
Step 2: When your name is called, the poll clerk will guide you to the polling booth.
Step 3: Receive the ballot, marker, your passport/ID, and ballot secrecy folder.
Step 4: Inspect the ballot and check for any tampering/marks.
Step 5: If the ballot is in order, sign the CLOV.
Step 6: Cover the ballot with the folder and begin voting.
Step 7: One may vote for just one candidate each for President and Vice President, up to 12 Senators, and one party list. Excess votes will result in the non-counting of all your votes.
Step 8: Shade properly the circle next to the name of the candidate/s you wish to vote for.
Step 9: Don’t tear/fold the ballot or make any other marks on the ballot.
Step 10: When done, put the ballot inside the folder, raise your hand and wait for the poll clerk to guide you to the VCM.
Step 11: Insert the ballot in the slot in the VCM.
Step 12: Wait for the vote receipt and review the vote count.
Step 13: If correct, put the ballot receipt in the ballot receipt receptacle.
Step 14: Leave the voting precinct quietly.
Overseas Filipino Voting Schedule in UAE
The voting period for the overseas elections is from 8 a.m. local time to 7 p.m. Philippine time from April 10, 2022 to May 9, 2022.
Throughout this time, walk-ins are welcome at the Foreign posts. You must, however, authenticate your details on-site to guarantee that you are qualified to vote in the ongoing overseas absentee voting.
Video: HALINA’T BUMOTO!
The DFA has released a video about the upcoming national elections. More information on the overseas voting procedure may be found here.
Every OFW and Filipino immigrant in the UAE must vote overseas in order to fulfil their right and commitment to the country as Filipino citizens.
It is critical for all Filipinos, wherever they may be in the world, to educate themselves on what to do and expect on election day.
Overseas Filipinos have an entire month to cast their ballots. This should give people plenty of time to think about and research who they should vote for as the country’s next leader. Once they’ve decided, staff from the Philippine Foreign posts in the UAE will help them in voting correctly and consistently.
Please check out this guide for those who will be voting at the Philippine Embassy in UAE (located in Abu Dhabi):
Here’s a guide posted by Philippine Consulate General office in Dubai and Northern Emirates which features the process of voting if you are based in Dubai and the northern emirates such as Ajman, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain:
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to be able to vote in the 2022 National Elections?
Residents of the Philippines must bring their original passports or seafarer’s books to the polls during the election season. Residents having dual citizenship must additionally provide their ID card or certificate of authorization in order to vote.
How do I know if I am a registered voter in UAE?
The list of Filipino voters in the UAE, as well as the list of seafarers from the Philippines, may be found on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) website or at the Philippine Foreign posts in the UAE. Only registered voters from the Philippines will be eligible to vote in the 2022 elections.
How does COMELEC decide on which voter records to deactivate?
The records of voters who did not vote in at least two elections were deactivated by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
When can applicants collect their Voter’s ID?
Due to the implementation of Republic Act 11055, or the National ID System, the Commission on Elections has halted the distribution and production of voter identification cards across the country.
The Philippine Statistics Authority is actively putting the National ID system in place in the country. It is scheduled to be implemented in all foreign service jobs by 2022.
Where can I find important information and updates on overseas voting?
Filipinos in the UAE are encouraged to follow the Philippine Foreign posts on different social media sites to stay up to speed on the latest election news.
Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates are invited to follow their Philippine foreign posts’ social media platforms to remain up to date on the latest updates on the forthcoming elections.
Summary
The Philippine Foreign posts in the UAE aim to make the overseas voting process as simple and convenient as possible for all Filipinos living in the country. As a result, they advise Filipinos in the nation to verify the list of overseas voters (CLOV) before going to the Foreign posts to vote on April 10.
Contact Information
Embassy of the Philippines in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Address: W-48, Street No. 8, Sector 2-23, Plot 51, Al Qubaisat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3215, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday : 7:30 am to 3:30pm; Friday : 7:30 am to 12:00 noon
Email: auhpe@philembassy.ae
Embassy Whatsapp No: +971 50 813 7836
Website & Facebook: www.abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph / www.facebook.com/PHinUAE
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Philippine Consulate-General in Dubai, UAE
Address: 851 Beirut St, Al QusaisAl Qusais 3, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Postal Address: P.O. Box 94778, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday : 7:30 am to 3:30pm; Friday : 7:30 am to 12:00 noon
Email: pcgdxb@pcgdubai.ae (Please leave your full name and mobile number when contacting the Dubai PCG)
PCG-Dubai Whatsapp No: +971 56 417 7558 (WHATSAPP ONLY)
Website & Facebook: www.dubaipcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.facebook.com/PHinDubai
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