Women Empowerment Evident as Thousands of Filipinos in Kuwait Exercise Their Right of Suffrage

KUWAIT 07 May 2019 – The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait announced that after more than two weeks since the start of Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) on 13 April 2019, voter turnout has exceeded the 7,000 mark as a total of 7,802 voters in Kuwait have cast their ballots as of 30 April 2019.

Out of the 7,802 votes, 5,576 votes came from female voters and 2,226 are from male voters. Women empowerment is evident as they want to go the “extra mile” to politically empower themselves to the same or even greater level as men, in the same way that women provide economic empowerment thru their remittances to their family back home. They are clearly taking advantage their chance to choose who will manage their invaluable economic contributions to the Philippines and who will build and lead our country in the years to come.

 “The aim of overseas voting is to return the electoral power to those who give sweat and tears for the security of their families and the progress of our nation. We need more of you to vote.” Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. said in a video statement.

“An undisputed successful overseas voter registration period, during which we surpassed the 22-month target by facilitating the registration of registered more than 96,000 Filipino voters, is a clear proof that our democracy has matured to the level in which the patriotism of Filipinos in Kuwait has awaken. This is evident in long lines at the Embassy premises during the ongoing voting period. Our kababayans have shown solidarity in having their voice despite being miles away to reshape the political landscape in the Philippines.” said Chargé d’ Affaires, a.i. Mohd. Noordin Pendosina N. Lomondot.

The Embassy’s Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-deputized officers and staff continues to encourage the voters after casting their ballot to inform their relatives, friends, and loved ones to vote at the Embassy. Regular appeal and OAV information dissemination to Filipino clients at the Consular Section as well as the Assistance to Nationals Section is being done. Filipino community organizations have also pledged support to the Embassy’s efforts by encouraging their members to go to the Embassy and vote, creating a multiplier effect that increases overseas voting awareness.

All over cyberspace via various social networking pages, the Embassy continues to carry DFA-OVS and COMELEC’s battle cry/slogan throughout this election period: “Let’s strengthen our democracy. It’s our right and duty. LET’S ALL VOTE!’ (Patibayin ang ating demokrasya. Ating karapatan at katungkulan. BUMOTO TAYONG LAHAT!).

The Philippine Embassy will be open for overseas voting every day until 12 May 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on 13 May 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. END

For more information, visit www.kuwaitpe.dfa.gov.ph, www.philembassykuwait.gov.kw or https://www.facebook.com/PEinKuwait/ or https://twitter.com/PHinKuwait