In an effort to increase the participation of all sectors of the Philippine population in elections, the Philippine Commission on Human Rights (CHR), together with its partners the Task Force 2010 and IFES, hosted a public presentation of the book “Ensuring the Right to Electoral Participation: Giving Access to Vulnerable Sectors in 2010.” The guest of honor was the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The presentation was held on Global Election Day, held annually on the first Thursday of February.

The book is a compilation of the proceedings from the CHR Forum of the same name held on September 17, 2008.  At the forum, members of six vulnerable sectors, together with representatives from COMELEC and other government agencies, discussed the issues and challenges that confront them in their exercise of the right of suffrage. The six sectors, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, detainees, indigenous peoples, internally displaced persons and first time voters, were identified based on a historic lack of access to the vote and the fact that they make up a significant portion of the population of the Philippines. 

The presentation was welcomed by the Chairman Jose Melo of the COMELEC as a timely reminder to the Commission that their work should not just be limited to administering the elections, but it should include awareness that there are some who do not have the access to the electoral process that they are entitled to and rightly deserve.

Chairman Melo likewise said that the book challenges the perception of many that the right of suffrage is not a human right. He assured the CHR that the book will contribute significantly to the shaping of COMELEC policies as they move forward with their preparations for 2010.  He noted that, in fact, the COMELEC has already taken steps towards improving access with the creation of express voter registration lanes for the elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

The presentation marks the first step in what IFES hopes will be a long-term collaboration between the Commission on Elections and the Commission on Human Rights that seeks to increase the rates of registration and voter turnout of these vulnerable sectors of the population. 

This project is part of IFES’ work in the Philippines which currently includes assisting the efforts of both electoral officials and civil society stakeholders to advance comprehensive electoral reform programs for greater legitimacy of the electoral process. Additionally, IFES engages civil society in developing effective advocacy and cooperation to retain gains in reform and equip citizens and COMELEC with skills and knowledge to support implementation of successful elections in the long run.