April 7 Is Last Day of Voter’s ID Issuance

JEDDAH, 5 April 2004 — Starting April 8, the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah will suspend the issuance of voter IDs, an official said yesterday.

Administrative officer Taha Guinomla said the suspension is to meant to ensure a smooth flow of the voting exercise, which will begin on April 11.

The consulate has decided to halt the issuance of voter IDs since these will not be required anymore when the voting begins.

As long a voter has his name in the Certified List of Overseas Absentee Voters (CLOAVs) provided by Manila, Guinomla said, voters need to show only their original iqamas or other acceptable identification papers when they come and vote.

Guinomla said that the consulate will be closed on April 8-9 in observance of the Philippine holiday, the Holy Week. The consulate will resume work on April 10, 2004.