PH Embassy in Singapore, COMELEC Successfully Conduct Mock OVCS Elections
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig delivers his opening remarks during the technical training on the use of the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) on 24 January 2025 at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore. (Singapore PE photo)
SINGAPORE 31 January 2025 – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Philippine Embassy in Singapore successfully conducted a mock election exercise on 25 January 2025. The exercise utilized the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS), which will be introduced to overseas voters for the first time in the upcoming 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE). This initiative formed part of COMELEC’s nationwide mock elections for the 2025 NLE, conducted simultaneously in various barangays across the Philippines.
The mock election aimed to rigorously test and evaluate the end-to-end overseas voting process utilizing the OVCS ahead of its official debut in the 2025 NLE. Singapore, home to the second-largest number of registered overseas voters in the Asia-Pacific region, was selected as the only foreign service post to pilot this exercise.
In preparation for the mock elections, Philippine Embassy personnel deputized as electoral board members underwent comprehensive technical training on the use of the OVCS a day prior to the mock elections. Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) members were trained on the use of the OVCS administrative portal, equipping them with the skills to manage the voting process effectively. Members of the Special Board of Canvassers (SBOC) were likewise trained on the automated canvassing process and transmittal of votes to allow secure and efficient handling of election results.
Select registered overseas voters in Singapore successfully participated in the mock exercise, and experienced first-hand the key components of the online voting process including online enrollment and verification of voter identity, test and actual voting, and on-site enrollment using the OVCS kiosk. The election results were counted, canvassed and transmitted to the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC) within an hour from the close of the mock elections.
In addition to participating in the nationwide exercise, feedback gathered from the two-day activities would be used to fine-tune systems and address any challenges ahead of the official pre-enrollment period, set to begin on 10 March 2025, and the actual month-long voting period from 13 April to 12 May 2025 for overseas voters.
Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig, expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the mock elections, saying, “There is no other way but internet voting, so I am happy to host this important event. I am confident that we will have a higher turnout considering that Filipinos in Singapore are internet-savvy and will have their voices heard in shaping our nation’s future.”
COMELEC Commissioner Aimee P. Ferolino commended the Philippine Embassy in Singapore and its participants for their active involvement, despite short notice, stating how the mock elections are crucial in ensuring that overseas Filipinos can cast their votes smoothly and securely.
The Embassy intends to conduct voter information campaigns before the start of the enrollment period to educate Filipino voters in Singapore on the OVCS process. END
COMELEC Representative Charles Philip T. Bison holds hands-on training on the use of the OVCS for Singapore PE’s SBEI and SBOC members. (Singapore PE photo)
Singapore PE staff trying out the OVCS during the technical training on 24 January 2025. (Singapore PE photo)
(from left to right) DFA-OVS Vice Chairperson Robert D. Quintin, COMELEC Commissioner Aimee P. Ferolino, Ambassador Macaraig and DFA-OUCSCA Undersecretary and OVS Chairperson Jesus S. Domingo during the Mock Elections held on 25 January 2025. (Singapore PE photo)
SBEI Third Member Daguio assists overseas voters in enrolling for the mock election. (Singapore PE photo)
Singapore PE SBEI Third Member Julius Marlo R. Daguio, Third Secretary and Vice Consul and SBEI Chairperson Renee Gayle M. Chua along with COMELEC Representative Charles Philip T. Bison initiating the transmission of votes. (Singapore PE photo)
Ambassador Macaraig announces the results of the Mock Elections held at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore on 25 January 2025 together with Labor Attache and SBOC Member Secretary Haney Lynn G. Siclot, First Secretary and Consul and SBOC Vice Chairperson Joyleen E. Santos and SBEI OVCS Technical Personnel David B. Bacho Jr. (Singapore PE photo)
Singapore PE, DFA-OVS and COMELEC officials and staff who participated in the Mock Elections held at the Philippine Embassy in Singapore on 25 January 2025. (Singapore PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.singaporepe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.org.sg, https://www.facebook.com/PHinSingapore, or https://www.instagram.com/phinsingapore/.