The Commission on Elections has released the calendar for the May 2022 general elections, which is slated to push through during the pandemic.
Last day of registration of party-list groups, coalitions, or organizations on Mar. 31, while political parties can register until Apr. 30.
But first, register to vote
Take note, voter registration is only until Sep. 30, 2021. Voters should be able to request the change of voting centers until Oct. 29 only.
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Filing of candidacy
Filing for certificates of candidacy as well as of nomination and acceptance from president to municipal councilor can be done from Oct. 1 to 8, weekends included.
The filing period for this round is longer than usual to accommodate health protocols such as social distancing and limited venue capacity to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
On Oct. 29, the tentative list of candidates will be posted, while the finalized list will be out on Nov. 30.
Election period will be from Jan. 9 to Jun. 8, 2022, and a gun ban will be in place. The bearing, carrying, or transporting of firearms and other deadly weapons are prohibited, unless authorized by the Comelec.
Alteration or establishment of new precincts, movement of officers and employees in the civil service, use of security personnel by candidates unless allowed by Comelec, organization of reaction forces or other similar forces, and suspension of elective local officials are also prohibited.
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Campaign period
The campaign period for president, vice president, senator, and party-list groups is from Feb. 8 to May 7. Campaiging on Apr. 14 to 15 is prohibited in observance of the Holy Week break.
Candidates are prohibited from giving donations in cash or kind, handing out free food, liquor, or other services of value.
Campaiging on the eve and the day of the election are prohibited. A liquor ban will be implemented.
Those running for the House of Representatives, elective regional, provincial, city and municipal posts can campaign from Mar. 25 until May 7.
They too are barred from campaigning during Holy Week break and are discouraged from hiring new employees, pursuing public works, or using public funds.
Day of elections
Elections are on the second Monday of May, which is on May 9, 2022. Local absentee voters can cast their votes ahead from Apr. 27 to 29, while oversease voters can vote until May 9.
These are prohibited on election day: voting more than once; opening stalls for the sale of merchandise or refreshments within a 30-meter radius from the precinct; soliciting votes; and fairs, cockfights, boxing horse races, and other similar sports.
