Filipino Traveled 63 Kilometers to Cast First Vote in Nairobi

Mr. Adolfo Villanueva, first voter at the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi. (Nairobi PE photo)

NAIROBI 17 April 2019 — The Philippine Embassy in Nairobi opened its doors for overseas voting for the 2019 Senatorial and Party List Elections to its first voter, computer aided designer technician Adolfo Villanueva, on 13 April 2019.

In line with the Embassy’s commitment to transparency in the conduct of overseas voting, Mr. Villanueva witnessed the Special Board of Election Inspectors as they assembled the ballot box and exhibited that said ballot box was empty before sealing.

Mr. Villanueva works for Impresa Constructioni Maltauro, an Italian construction firm tasked to build the Konza Technopolis (Silicon Savannah of Africa), which is 63 kilometers away from Nairobi.

When asked why he traveled that far to vote, Mr. Villanueva said, “I need to exercise my right to vote because it is the way I can shape the future of our nation. It is a privilege to be able to exercise overseas voting in Nairobi.”

The Commission on Election (COMELEC) assigned the Embassy in Nairobi to use Personal Mode of voting, where voters have to personally appear at the Embassy to cast their ballots.

The Embassy is open for voting from 13 April 13 May 2016 daily  from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, except on 13 May 2013 where voting will end at 6:00 p.m. Manila time or 1:00 p.m. Nairobi time. END

Mr. Villanueva witnessing the ballots being assembled (from left) William Tan, Adolfo Villanueva, Jake Fernandez and Hossana Dela Cruz. (Nairobi PE photo)

Turnover from Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group Team to the Special Board of Election Inspectors Team (from left) Reynaldo Estargo, Mydee Homena, Leonilo V. Navales, Hossana Dela Cruz, Rosanna Josue, Jake Fernandez, William Tan (Nairobi PE photo)

For more information, visit www.nairobipe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinKenya/