MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) disclosed yesterday that the 1.88 million overseas voters would play a crucial role in the coming midterm polls. According to Comelec director for Office for Overseas Voting Elaiza Sabile-David, overseas voters could provide the swing votes that make candidates win or lose their electorial bids. The Comelec is using manual voting system – either through personal or postal votes – and automated election system for overseas voting. For Comelec spokesman James Jimenez, the overseas vote is a swing vote simply because there is no way of reliably gauging the political leanings of overseas voters, thus, the vote can swing in any way. Jimenez expects increased participation of overseas voters because Filipinos abroad have been “activated.”

Source: Philippine Star April 13, 2019 16:02 UTC