Filipinos in Bahrain can now register to vote in the May 2028 Philippine elections. The overseas voter registration period is open until September 30, 2027. An estimated 60,000 Filipinos live in Bahrain, and eligible voters can take part in the 2028 elections by registering overseas. Registering early can help avoid last-minute delays and give applicants time to complete any missing requirements.
Key Dates for the 2028 Elections
|
Event |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Overseas Registration Period |
December 3, 2025 – September 30, 2027 |
|
Overseas Voting Period |
April 9, 2028 – May 8, 2028 |
|
Philippine Election Day |
May 8, 2028 |
Who Can Register
You can register as an overseas voter if you:
- Are a Filipino citizen
- Live abroad or expect to be abroad during the voting period (April 9 to May 8, 2028)
- Will be at least 18 years old on May 8, 2028
- Are not disqualified under Philippine law
Dual citizens under Republic Act No. 9225 are also eligible.
Who Is Disqualified
You cannot register if you:
- Have lost your Filipino citizenship under Philippine law
- Have renounced Philippine citizenship or pledged allegiance to another country. Dual citizens under RA 9225 are exempt.
- Were convicted by final judgment of a crime punishable by at least one year in prison. You can regain the right to vote through a plenary pardon or amnesty, or five years after completing your sentence.
- Have been declared insane or incompetent by a competent authority. This disqualification is lifted once that authority certifies you are no longer insane or incompetent.
Documentary Requirements
Prepare these before you go:
- Valid Philippine passport. Bring the original and a photocopy.
- No valid passport? Get a certification from the Philippine Embassy. It must confirm that your documents are enough for a passport to be issued, or that you hold a valid passport but cannot present it for a valid reason.
- Dual citizens: Bring your Order of Approval or Identification Certificate. You need the original and a photocopy.
- Seafarers: Bring a photocopy of your Seaman’s Book or another document proving your seafarer status.
- Completed OVF 1 form (Overseas Voter Registration Form) – You can find the form on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) website.
Personal Appearance and Biometrics
Most applicants must register in person. The embassy needs to capture your photo, fingerprints, and signature.
Already registered with complete biometrics? You may be able to use the Office for Overseas Voting’s Virtual Frontline Services for certain requests without visiting the embassy.
How to Register
1. Fill out the OVF 1 form online.
Go to COMELEC’s iRehistro portal for overseas voters. Enter your details carefully, because they will appear on your voter record. The system will then generate your OVF 1 form with a QR code.
2. Print your form.
Save the form as a PDF. Print it on A4-size paper.
3. Submit it in person.
Bring your printed OVF 1 and your required documents to the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain. Your biometrics will be captured there.
4. Wait for verification.
The embassy will review your application. Once it is approved, you will be included in the list of registered overseas voters.
You can also get a blank OVF 1 form at the embassy if you cannot fill it out online.
Moving Back to the Philippines?
If you plan to vote in the Philippines instead, you need to transfer your registration. File your application at the local Office of the Election Officer in the city or municipality where you will vote. Local registration rules apply.
Contact Information for the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain
Address: Building 2186, Road 2755, Block 327, Adliya, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
Telephone number: +973 17721234 (4 Lines)
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day, from Sundays to Thursdays
Website: https://manamape.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinBahrain