PPCRV finds BSKE 2023 peaceful, orderly outside of BARMM violence

The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting found the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE 2023) "orderly and peaceful" outside the violence that affected some communities in the Bangsamoro region.

In a statement, the PPCRV said it fielded 200,000 volunteers and observed the "strong presence of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Bureau of Fire Protection in polling centers and credit their efforts in maintaining peace and order."

"Barring violence in the Bangsamoro area, PPCRV volunteers numbering 200,000 across the country, observed the recently concluded BSKE 2023 to be orderly and peaceful," the PPCRV said.

"While generally peaceful nationwide, incidence reports which marred the peaceful conduct of elections centered in the Basilan area," it added.

However, the PPCRV observed irregularities in the BSKE.

These include incidences of fake voters "with some voters arriving to find that others had already voted in their place.

PPCRV said some poll watchers of candidates were assisting voters and influencing votes at the precinct level."

The council also monitored the automated BSKE in Quezon City and in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

"Pending cost evaluations, we believe that automated elections which have been implemented with effectivity for national elections may likewise be implemented successfully for local barangay and SK elections," the PPCRV said.

The council said mall elections in select SM and Robinson’s Malls were "observed to be facile and incident-free."

"Access to parking, in-house security and the convenience and comfort of air conditioning were benefits appreciated by mall voters," the PPCRV said.

"It is recommended that mall voting be pursued on a nationwide level  with  participation of more mall operators and chains," it added. —NB, GMA Integrated News