The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded the public that exit polls are not official results of the May 9 elections.
“An ‘exit poll’ is not the official tally of votes cast in the 2022 National and Local Elections. Tandaan din na bibilangin lang ang mga boto ng Overseas Voting on May 9, AFTER the close of polls,” Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said via tweet.
An “exit poll” is not the official tally of votes cast in the 2022 National and Local Elections. Tandaan din na bibilangin lang ang mga boto ng Overseas Voting on May 9, AFTER the close of polls. #votesafepilipinas
— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) April 10, 2022
Jimenez made the remark after social media was flooded with alleged exit poll results amid the start of the overseas absentee voting last Sunday.
“As a general rule, unless na ang nag labas ng exit poll ay isang kilala at reputable na survey firm, hindi ito reliable. Lalo na sa social media, madaling gumawa ng official looking forms or graphics na mukhang legit,” he added.
As a general rule, unless na ang nag labas ng exit poll ay isang kilala at reputable na survey firm, hindi ito reliable. Lalo na sa social media, madaling gumawa ng official looking forms or graphics na mukhang legit. #votesafepilipinas https://t.co/xKPnECFper
— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) April 10, 2022
Some polling centers for overseas absentee voters have already welcomed OFWs who will cast their votes. Polling will continue until May 9, 2022.
Comelec Commissioner George Garcia encouraged voters to believe election results only after May 9.
“Ang importante pong paniniwalaan natin ay ‘yung result ng election on May 9. ‘Yun po kasi bibilangin ang boto. And therefore, kapag nabilang natin, ‘yun po ang pinakamagandang exit polls,” Garcia said during a news briefing.
“Ang importante our voters are able to vote based on their conscience, freely and without any influence even from the so-called exit polls,” he added. Ronald Espartinez