Commission on Elections Chairman Jose A.R. Melo ordered all regional election directors, provincial election supervisors and election officers nationwide to give “preferential treatment” to persons with disabilities, senior citizens and heavily pregnant women who will be registering to vote for the May 10, 2010 national and local elections.

In his directive dated December 2, 2008, Melo ordered all election officials nationwide to set-up “express lanes” in COMELEC offices nationwide.

“We are expecting a heavy influx of new registrants so it is hoped that these express lanes will improve access of our seniors, the differently-abled and the heavily pregnant women to the various voters’ registration centers during the entire registration period,” the COMELEC Chairman said.

The continuing voters’ registration will run from December 2, 2008 until December 15, 2009 in all areas nationwide except in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Meanwhile, COMELEC spokesman James Jimenez said they will be marking today’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a special registration for the differently abled voters inside the SM Mall of Asia.

In partnership with the National Council on Disability Affairs, the Alyansa ng May Kapansanang Pinoy Inc. and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting; the COMELEC, Jimenez said, intends to empower the broadest number of differently abled Filipino citizens by ensuring their right to suffrage.

“The plight of our countrymen with special needs is never far from the minds of the COMELEC. We are committed to make sure that their right to vote is respected and upheld,” Jimenez said.###

Posted: 06.15.2009 LTO, Updated: 01.20.2012 JJSH