CEBU CITY - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said allowing voting precincts in shopping malls provide some ease to the public, but some still pose challenges, especially for the vulnerable sector.
The Comelec has partnered with SM Supermalls and Robinsons Malls for the Barangay and Sangguniaang Kabataan Elections. Under the partnership, select villages around 10 malls in Cebu, Metro Manila, and Legazpi will be tapped as polling areas for free on October 30.
Citing a report on the voting dry-run in select malls in Cebu, Manila, and Legazpi City, the poll body said mall voting setup provided general accessibility and convenience to the vulnerable sector, especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women.
Around 16,205 voters are expected to be catered in these malls, with the highest participants coming from Consolacion town in Cebu province, Quezon City and Parañaque City.
However, it also noted several challenges, according to the Comelec report. "There are polling places with little spaces/entrance areas in the actual voting area that may make it difficult for PWD voters (those with wheelchairs, etc.) to move through the voting area," it said, noting that some of these areas were located at the uppermost level of the buildings.
The report also noted the issue about the malls’ operating hours, which will hamper the voters' ability to finish their tasks early. It also cited inadequate spaces in waiting areas, small signs to polling spaces, and the actual area designation of security forces. (Stephanie Sevillano)
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