Philippine Consulate in Dubai denies alleged pre-shaded ballots at overseas voting precinct

  DUBAI - The Philippine Consulate General in Dubai has released a statement firmly denying the alleged pre-shaded ballots at the consulate's Overseas Voting precinct. "No such incident or anything remotely similar occurred or was reported," according to the consulate in a statement to Expatmedia.net and media on Monday (April 11). Stories about a voter discovering the alleged pre-shaded ballots have been spreading in social media. The incident allegedly happened on Sunday (April 10), on the first day of the overseas voting period. Meanwhile, poll watchers from at least five different political parties who were present also denied the alleged irregularity, according to the Philippine Consulate. The consulate advised the public to refrain from posting or spreading rumours on social media, which is considered illegal under UAE laws. The consulate further said that any irregularity with regard to the conduct of election at the consulate will be recorded in the official minutes of voting, which are submitted to the Commission on Elections. The month-long overseas voting for the 2022 Philippine elections runs until May 9. Polls in the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi are open daily from 8am until 9pm, except on May 9, when polls are open from 8am until 3pm only. Overseas Filipinos will vote for national positions: president, vice president, senators, and party-list groups. In Dubai and the northern emirates, there are 191,779 registered Filipino voters, which is the highest number in the region, said Vice Consul Elizabeth Ramos.

Overseas voting in UAE: How to vote

1. Check if your name is in the registered voters list, which is on the website of the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai (for voters in Dubai and northern Emirates), or the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi (for voters in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). 2. Visit the Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate from 8am to 9pm daily until May 9, or from 8am to 3pm on May 9. 3. There is no need to book an appointment.    
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