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Filipinos in the UAE have until May 10 to pre-enroll for online voting in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, marking the first time that remote voting is being implemented globally. The deadline, which was previously set for May 7, has been extended to allow Filipinos more time to vote. Voting officially started on April 13 and will continue until May 12 at 3pm (UAE time). Registered overseas voters may cast their votes for 12 senators and one party-list group through the Commission on Elections (Comelec) online portal. However, pre-enrollment is mandatory to gain access to the system—even for those already registered to vote. According to the Philippine Consulate, the UAE hosts the largest number of overseas Filipino voters, with 189,892 registered. Out of that number, 123,891 voters are registered in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, and 66,001 in Abu Dhabi There will be no manual voting this year. Instead, online voting kiosks are available at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai and the Embassy in Abu Dhabi only for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, illiterate voters and Pregnant women “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,” clarified the Embassy and Consulate.

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 10. 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 the May 10 so you can vote from your phone, tablet, or computer and be part of this digital milestone. ICA/PIA/Expat Media
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