Voter turnout  for the 2010 National Elections appeared strong in Athens, based on the first days of balloting at the Embassy’s premises.

“Our kababayans in Athens are demonstrating their strong sense of patriotism by voting in the 2010 elections, “ Philippine Ambassador to  Greece Rigoberto Tiglao said.  “It is in deeds such as taking the trouble to register and then vote, that one’s love for country is demonstrated,” Tiglao said.

Voting for the 2010 elections started April 10 and will continue up to May 10, the balloting day in the Philippines.  The voting precincts are open 9AM up to 5 PM, except for May 10 during which voting will be undertaken only until  1PM. Positions overseas workers will vote on are for President, Vice President, twelve Senators of the Republic, and for one Party for the “Party list” voting.

Voters must have registered at the Embassy in Athens,  the Embassy’s “outreach”  registration centers,  or the our consulate in Nicosia, Cyprus  during the registration period 1 February 2009 to 31 August 2009.

Based on the rules promulgated by the Commission on Elections, overseas workers who are registered voters in the Philippines were required to register in the Embassy closest to their residence abroad in the prescribed period for them to vote.

The list of registered voters are prominently displayed right at the entrance of the Embassy (see photo).

In the first four days of voting, there were 131 voters in Athens making it the 9^th European post with the most voters.

Ballots will be counted immediately and continuously at the  Embassy as soon as voting period ends  1PM May 10, complying with the strict regulations and procedures of the Comelec.

As soon as all ballots are counted and the proper documentations are made, the voting results will be delivered physically to the National Board of Canvassers in Manila by the Embassy representative designated by the Comelec.

Embassy staff explaining voting procedure to a voter

The list of registered voters at the Embassy's entrance