During the final system check at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai on April 11, 2025. EXPAT MEDIA

Filipinos in the UAE made history on Sunday (April 13) as they became among the first overseas voters to participate in the Philippines’ first-ever internet voting for the 2025 midterm elections. The 30-day online voting period officially began on April 13 and will run until May 12 at 3pm (UAE time). Overseas Filipino voters in the UAE will vote for 12 senators and one party-list representative through the Commission on Elections (Comelec) online portal.

Highest number of overseas voters

The UAE has the highest number of registered overseas Filipino voters, with 189,892 expected to vote online. Of this number, 123,891 are registered in Dubai and the northern emirates, and 66,001 are in Abu Dhabi, a Philippine consulate official told Expat Media. Philippine Consul General Marford Angeles said the response on the first day was promising, with most voters choosing the convenience of casting their ballots from home. “Only a handful of overseas voters, which includes two senior citizens, came to the Consulate today to seek assistance in online voting while the majority voted online in the comfort of their homes,” Angeles said. “Compared to our previous elections, we can say we had a good turnout as more people were able to vote compared to if they came to the Consulate in person and queued under this hot weather,” he added. In the UAE, the official poll watchers are Citizen Battle Against Corruption and Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan. Ten media outlets have been accredited, including Expat Media.

Online voting only, no manual ballots

There will be no manual voting at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. However, online voting kiosks are available at both locations to assist voters who are illiterate, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens. “Only those who are illiterate, with disability, senior citizen, and pregnant may be accommodated to vote at the kiosk... There will be no manual voting as the kiosk will also be using online voting and the voter still has to use his or her own account,” emphasized both missions in a joint statement.

Full guide: How to vote online in the 2025 Philippine elections (UAE)

Who can vote?

Filipinos abroad who are: • Listed in the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) • Have pre-enrolled for online voting Check your name here: • Dubai and Northern Emirates CLOV • Abu Dhabi CLOV

How to pre-enroll for online voting

All registered voters must pre-enroll to gain access to the online voting platform—even if they are already registered. Deadline to pre-enroll is on May 7. Steps: 1. Visit: ov.comelec.gov.ph/enroll 2. Use a valid passport or ID (no photocopies) 3. Complete the identity verification: - Enter personal details - Submit live facial capture - Upload a valid ID - Record a video while holding your ID 4. Receive a One-Time Password (OTP) 5. Wait for email or SMS confirmation granting access to the online voting system

How to vote online

Voting period: • Start: April 13 at 8am (UAE time) • End: May 12 at 3pm (UAE time) Steps: 1. Use your approved device (mobile, tablet, laptop, or desktop) with a working camera. 2. Log in to the Comelec online portal using your credentials. 3. Select your preferred candidates: - 12 senators - 1 party-list group 4. Confirm and cast your vote. Note: You must vote within the given time frame. Once the voting session starts, it is timed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I vote in person?

Yes—but only via the online voting kiosks at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai or the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. These are exclusively for: • Senior citizens • Persons with disabilities • Illiterate voters • Pregnant women There will be no manual ballots.

What if I get disapproved for pre-enrollment?

If your online voting registration is disapproved, it may be due to one of the following: • You are not a registered overseas voter • Your registration was deactivated for not voting in the 2019 and 2022 elections • You are currently in the Philippines (only overseas voters can enroll) For assistance, email: overseasvoting@comelec.gov.ph

Is the system secure?

According to Comelec Director Ian Michel Geonanga, the platform has multi-layered security, including: • Biometric verification • Facial recognition • OTP-based login “Pre-enrollment ensures that only legitimate voters can access the system,” said Geonanga. “Internet voting is an option so we can vote faster and easier. Anytime, anywhere voting can be done anytime, anywhere,” he added. Make sure you pre-enroll before May 7 so you can vote from your phone, tablet, or computer and be part of this digital milestone in Philippine electoral history. ICA/PIA/Expat Media
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