South Africa is a country that captures the attention and admiration of visitors with its unique charm and mystery. Despite their small number, Filipinos in South Africa are among the most politically active immigrants in the country. Many of them are eager to know if they are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections. To check your eligibility, look for your name on the certified list of OFW voters (CLOV) on the websites of the Philippine Foreign Posts.
As the Philippines prepares for its future elections, the Philippine Embassy in South Africa will make the list of overseas voters available to our kababayans. The most recent list of certified overseas voters (CLOV) will be used in this election. This document could also be used to determine the number of registered voters in the region.
Filipinos in South Africa can benefit from the preparations made by the Philippine Embassy there for the upcoming national elections.
The embassy has approved new and reactivated applications of overseas voters received during the first quarter of 2023 through its National Elections Resident Election Registration Board (RERB).
Filipinos in South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe can exercise their right to vote in the 2025 elections by registering as overseas voters through the embassy.
They can contact the embassy at pretoria.pe@dfa.gov.ph for assistance.
By registering as overseas voters, Filipinos in South Africa can actively participate in the important decisions of the upcoming COMELEC national elections and have a say in shaping the future of the Philippines.
List of Registered Overseas Filipino Voters in South Africa
Filipinos living abroad who are registered to vote can turn to Philippine diplomatic offices for guidance. The embassy offers step-by-step instructions on how to participate in upcoming elections. Verify your name on the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) before voting in the Philippine national elections from South Africa.
For the latest updates and support on national elections and overseas voting in your host country, consult the Philippine embassy’s website or reach out by phone.
As of now, the Philippine Embassy in South Africa has NOT YET published the updated CLOV for the forthcoming 2025 elections. Stay tuned for updates from either the embassy or this page, as we will share all pertinent details once they are publicly available.
If you’re a Filipino resident in South Africa and need help with the overseas voting process or confirming your details on the CLOV, contact the embassy. The list is arranged alphabetically for easier navigation. COMELEC officials may also annotate the list. Use the quick shortcut in the next step to verify your information on the list.
Tip: To avoid scrolling through a lengthy list of names, use CTRL + F. A search box will appear in the document where you can type your last name. Note that the document is case-sensitive, so ensure your name is spelled accurately and without any extra spaces or characters.
How to Find Your Name in the List of Absentee Voters in South Africa
- Access the website where the Philippine Embassy in South Africa has displayed the Registered Overseas Voters list. The list is sorted alphabetically by last names for easy searching.
- Find the PDF file corresponding to the initial letter of your surname and click to view it. The list is divided into several PDFs, each covering a specific range of last names alphabetically.
- Carefully scan through the list to identify your name. If it’s there, congratulations! You are eligible to vote in the forthcoming elections.
- If your name is listed, this confirms that you have successfully registered for overseas voting and can participate in the crucial choices of the upcoming COMELEC national elections.
- If your name isn’t on the list, don’t be discouraged! This merely signifies that you won’t be voting this round. However, you can look forward to and prepare for future elections.
How to Vote in Philippine Elections at the Philippine Embassy in South Africa
Step 1: Confirm Your Right to Vote
First, ensure your name is listed on South Africa’s Official Register of Overseas Voters. This confirms your voting eligibility.
Step 2: Show Valid ID
Approach the Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) and present a valid form of identification, such as your passport, to verify your identity.
Step 3: Acquire Your Ballot
Upon verification, sign the voter register and collect your voting ballot. Inspect it for any signs of damage or marking.
Step 4: Enter the Voting Zone
Move to the assigned voting space. The SBEI will provide you with a folder and a pen to maintain the confidentiality of your vote.
Step 5: Complete the Ballot
Carefully adhere to the guidelines to fill out your ballot without any extra markings or mistakes.
Step 6: Make Thoughtful Choices
You may select one President, one Vice President, a maximum of twelve Senators, and one Party List. Be cautious not to overvote.
Step 7: Hand in Your Filled Ballot
Go back to the SBEI and insert your completed ballot into the Vote Counting Machine (VCM).
Step 8: Wait for Receipt
Stand by as your voter’s receipt is being printed. Do not pull it out yourself; it serves as evidence of your vote.
Step 9: Verify Your Choices
Examine your voter’s receipt to ensure that all your selections have been correctly documented.
Step 10: Dispose of the Receipt
If everything is accurate, place your voter’s receipt in the designated box for Voter’s Receipts. Remember, taking pictures or making copies is not allowed.
Step 11: Report Any Issues
If you find any discrepancies, inform the SBEI immediately. However, be aware that making false allegations is prohibited.
Step 12: Leave the Voting Location
Well done! You’ve successfully cast your vote at the Philippine Embassy in South Africa. Thank you for participating in this vital democratic activity.
Contact Information of the Philippine Embassy in South Africa
Address: 54 Nicolson St, Bailey`s Muckleneuk, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa
Telephone number: +27123460451
Office Hours: Weekdays, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Website: https://www.pretoriape.dfa.gov.ph
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinSouthAfrica