Kenya is a country that has always piqued the interest and curiosity of travellers with its unique charm and mystery. Despite their small number, Filipinos in Kenya 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, search for your name on the certified list of OFW voters (CLOV) on the websites of the Philippine Foreign Posts.
The Philippine Embassy in Kenya will release the updated certified list of overseas voters once it is available to our kababayans as the Philippines prepares for future elections. This document may also be used to estimate the number of registered voters in the region.
Filipinos in Kenya can benefit from the preparations made by the Philippine Embassy there for the upcoming national elections. The embassy conducted a survey on overseas voting and registration in Philippine elections in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Overseas Filipinos aged 18 and above were invited to participate in the survey by clicking on the link provided or scanning the QR code.
The survey aims to strengthen the digitalization capacity of COMELEC and promote political participation among overseas Filipinos. The survey is anonymous and will take 10 to 15 minutes to complete. By participating in this survey, Filipinos in Kenya can have a say in the overseas voting process and help shape the future of Philippine elections.
List of Registered Overseas Filipino Voters in Kenya
If you are a Filipino residing overseas and have registered to participate in upcoming elections, you can seek advice from your closest Philippine diplomatic centers. In particular, if you’re located in Kenya, the Philippine embassy can instruct you on the voting process for the forthcoming elections. Before submitting your ballot, make sure to verify that your name is on the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) specific to the Philippines.
For the most up-to-date information on how to vote and the required documentation, you can either visit the embassy’s website or get in touch with their office directly. To confirm your eligibility to vote in the latest Philippine national elections taking place in Kenya, you can refer to the following link:
Overseas Filipino Voters in Kenya: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oireuMks2tZSxXRunl4wDKUAHvHiT_Et/view?fbclid=IwAR0MvtGV8WoH3nJ7M9isdaR1dq4he0CGka4q8O9BcuG1QlT3mFDPPng1-cE
If you require support for the overseas voting mechanism or need to validate your information on the CLOV, don’t hesitate to reach out to the embassy for help. The CLOV is sorted alphabetically for easier navigation. Additionally, election authorities from COMELEC may make annotations or comments on the list. To swiftly locate your voter data on this list, adhere to the shortcut described in the subsequent section.
Quick Tip: To efficiently sift through the lengthy list, utilize the CTRL + F function on your keyboard. A search box will appear within the document, allowing you to enter your surname. Take special care to verify the spelling and be mindful of case sensitivity, as well as any additional spaces or characters.
How to Find Your Name in List of Absentee Voters in Kenya
- Visit the website where the Philippine Embassy in Kenya has published the list of Registered Overseas Voters. This list is arranged in alphabetical order by last names for easy navigation.
- Locate the PDF document that corresponds to the first letter of your last name and click to open it. The list is segmented into multiple PDFs, each focusing on a specific alphabetical range of surnames.
- Diligently go through the list to locate your name. If you find it, that’s great news! You are qualified to vote in the upcoming elections.
- If your name appears on the list, this verifies that you have successfully registered for overseas voting and are eligible to participate in the important decisions of the upcoming COMELEC national elections.
- If your name is not there, don’t worry! It simply indicates that you won’t be casting a vote this time. However, you can prepare for and anticipate future elections.
How to Vote in Philippine Elections at the Philippine Embassy in Kenya
Step 1: Confirm Your Right to Vote
First, ensure your name is listed on Kenya’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 Kenya. Thank you for participating in this vital democratic activity.
Contact Information of the Philippine Embassy in Kenya
Address: PO Box 47941, 00100 001 Mzima Springs Road, Lavington, Nairobi, Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone number: +254 734 450001
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Website: https://www.nairobipe.dfa.gov.ph
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinKenya