Filipino expats in UAE rush home for elections touted as most talked about polls since 1986

  DUBAI – While Filipino expatriates headed to polling stations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the final week of overseas voting, others were preparing to board a flight to the Philippines so they can vote in Monday’s general elections. On May 9, voters in the Philippines will head to polls to choose a president, a vice president, 12 senators, a party list representative, a district representative and officials in the provincial, city and municipal levels. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, registered Filipino voters have until 1pm to cast their ballot. This year’s polls drew a lot of public interest, particularly in the presidential race where five major contenders are eyeing to become the country’s 16th top leader: Jejomar Binay, Rodrigo Duterte, Grace Poe, Mar Roxas and Miriam Santiago. Dubai-based executive Adrian A. said he was excited to go home to vote for the candidate he believes can bring change to the Philippines. “I believe can clean up the country and bring reforms, particularly in law and order, and show everyone what real public service is all about,” he told ExpatMedia.Net. His suitcases were plastered with printed caricatures of his chosen presidential candidate. He said he also brought several posters to share with friends when he reaches his hometown in Samar. “I am proud to make this vote,” he said with a grin. Sharjah-based airline executive Geraldine C. and Dubai-based accountant Ethel B., both planned their Philippine vacation around the May 9 polls, expressing optimism about the upcoming elections. “I know is the only one who can solve my problems with snatchers, robbers, pickpockets and swindlers,” Geraldine said. More than 30,000 Filipinos in the UAE have already voted in the month-long overseas voting, with some 89,000 registered voters yet to cast their ballot. Social media buzz This presidential election has been described as the most talked-about polls since 1986, when democracy icon Corazon Aquino was voted the Philippines’ first female president. For months, social media has been abuzz with conversations and even heated debates among supporters of respective presidential candidates. On Facebook, 15.2 million Filipinos engaged in election-related conversations from November 2015 to April 2016, creating a total of 124 million interactions. Facebook also named presidential aspirant Duterte as the "Undisputed King of Facebook Conversations" with 64 percent of conversations about him. On Twitter, Santiago topped with 2.49 million followers. Roxas came in second place with 606,000 followers. MFD/Expat Media