Individuals and groups who intend to cover and observe the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October can start applying for accreditation with the Commission on Elections.
In Comelec Resolution 10942, members of the media who will cover and report the electoral exercise, as well as foreign and domestic observers are given until Sept. 29 to apply for accreditation with the respective Comelec offices.
Domestic observers are individuals residing in the provinces in the region who must have a genuine intention to participate in the barangay and SK elections solely as monitors for the electoral process.
The Comelec said observers must be free from any political, economic, or other conflicts of interests that would interfere with conducting observations or monitoring impartially.
They should also disclose their reasons for intending to take part in the grassroots elections as observers.
Registered voters who are also accredited observers or monitors will not be prevented from casting their votes in the Oct. 30 polls.
Observers who were invited by the Comelec to monitor the local elections are automatically accredited upon confirmation of their participation by registering on the link indicated in their invitation.
Members of the local media meanwhile should submit their application for accreditation to the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor that will review the application and forward the action to the Comelec Education and Information Department.
The election period for the barangay and SK polls is from Aug. 28 to Nov. 29.
The filing of certificates of candidacy is from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2 while the campaign period will be from Oct. 19 to 28.
Polling centers will be open from 7 a.m. on Oct. 30 until 3 p.m. candidates have until Nov. 29 to file their Statement of Contribution and Expenditures. – Jane B. Cadalig
