Negros Oriental, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Central Visayas reported a lower-than-expected voter turnout in the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in Negros Oriental. The low participation is attributed to the non-involvement of voters from the A and B social classes.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec regional director, stated that the minimum target of an 85 percent turnout was not achieved. He noted a trend observed in previous barangay and youth polls where members of these social sectors showed little interest in voting for village and SK officials. This contrasts with their engagement in national and local elections, where they have more at stake, such as in the candidates or their businesses.
Castillano pointed out that those who usually participate in the BSKE are 'ordinary people' who regularly interact with barangay officials, particularly during the distribution of government assistance. Despite the lower turnout in the province, this year's participation rate was slightly higher than in 2018. Data released showed that 76.36 percent voted this year compared to 75.84 percent in 2018. Among the barangay level elections, Siquijor logged the highest turnout at 81.06 percent, followed by Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Cebu. The SK polls showed a similar pattern with Siquijor registering the highest turnout, followed by Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Cebu.