“SO FAR, it’s scarily smooth-sailing,” said Comelec Chief Commissioner Ione Abergele Salud (III AB Eu), referring to the first day of voting for this year’s Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral general elections.

There were no inter-party conflicts, mudslinging, violations, and fights between the candidates, said Comelec Human Resources Commissioner Brian Joshua Dejaresco (III AB Eco). “It has toned down, compared to last year,” he added.

Monica Danielle Santos (II AB MEco) said that this year’s elections is more organized compared to last year’s.

Red ribbons were given to those who turned in their ballots. “It’s a sign that they have exercised their right to vote,” said Salud.

The number of votes needed to reach the quota was also displayed in each voting station.

Other organizations also helped in encouraging students to vote. “There has been a greater collaboration with other orgs,” said Dejaresco.

Votes

As of 9:30 pm today, about 1,758 students have voted, said Salud in a text message to The GUIDON.

Students voted at stations in the caf atrium, Rizal Library steps, CTC-SOM, Faura, RSF, Matteo Ricci Hall, Sec B Foyer and Kostka Extension.

Most of the votes came from the caf voting station, followed by CTC-SOM.

Dejaresco said the stations are active so far. “My original fear was that [students] would no longer be interested [in voting]. As of now, it doesn’t seem [to be] that way.”

Although Thursday’s elections have been free of irregularities, Comelec is still on guard for complaints such as flying voters.

Students can still vote on Friday.

Tags: , Elections, voting