15,558 Filipinos in Kuwait vote

KUWAIT: 15,558 Filipinos in Kuwait casted their votes in the Philippines midterm election through overseas absentee voting which culminated yesterday in line with the Election Day in the Philippines. There are 96,423 Filipino registered voters in Kuwait. Voters are allowed to elect 12 senators and one party list representative.

Philippine Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires Mohammad Noordin Pendosina Lomondot lauded the enthusiasm of Filipinos as they participated in the voting exercise. “This is about 16 percent of the total number of registered voters in Kuwait. The turnout is very good. It was a solid proof – how Filipino community is willing to be part in the democratic process. We can discern through cooperation demonstrated by many of us in order to have a better Philippines,” Lomondot said.

The last vote was casted yesterday around 1:10pm by Bodie Tagayon, an auto-mechanic from Shuwaikh Industrial area who hails from Mandaluyong City Philippines. “I was a bit late because I came from Shuwaikh. I just asked permission from my boss to leave early so that I can participate in the last day of voting,” he said. “I really wanted to cast my vote, I am thankful that I was able to catch up,” he said.

When asked about the character of the candidates, Tagayon said, he voted for a candidate that will pursue changes in the Overseas Filipino Workers. “We want a senator who can help us – the Filipino Overseas Workers. We need jobs in the Philippines, not outside the Philippines. If there are better options we will stay in the Philippines,” he added.

Overseas Voting Spokesperson at the Philippine Embassy Luiz Carlos Osorio said this year’s election is historic and ‘record breaking’. “As compared to previous elections, there was a historic turnout – 15,558 is a good number. Probably we are the second, next to UAE as regards to high turnout,” he said.
The vote counting is expected to be completed by 12 midnight. There are election observers who are on standby to witness the entire voting process. “We will not sleep or rest until we’re done. Expect our messages by midnight to announce the winners in Kuwait,” Osorio added.

By Ben Garcia

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