Filipino expatriates in the UAE will soon be able to cast their votes online for the Philippines’ upcoming midterm elections, according to an announcement on Wednesday. This marks a significant shift, as the new system eliminates the need for voters to stand in long queues during the 2025 elections.
The Philippine Consulate-General in Dubai unveiled the Commission on Elections (Comelec) guidelines for the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS), which will be implemented for the first time. The official election day is set for May 12, 2025, but overseas absentee voting will take place over 30 days, starting from April 13 to May 12, 2025, allowing Filipino citizens abroad — including those in the UAE — ample time to participate.
During the elections, the Philippines will select 12 senators and members of the House of Representatives, along with thousands of local officials. However, overseas voters will only be casting their ballots for senators and party-list representatives.
How to Vote Online To utilize the new online voting system, eligible Filipino voters need to register in advance. Pre-enrollment on Comelec’s voting portal is scheduled to begin on February 27, 2025.
Voting can be conducted via mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, using any web browser. For those experiencing difficulties with the online process, traditional physical voting will still be available at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate-General in Dubai, where OVCS kiosks will be set up.
This online voting option is expected to significantly streamline the process for Filipino expats, enhancing accessibility and convenience in the 2025 midterm elections.
