RIYADH: With weeks before the Aug. 31 deadline for the overseas absentee voting (OAV) registration in the Kingdom fewer Filipinos than expected have yet gone through the process, according to Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor.

“I urge all OFWs in the Kingdom to register so that they could exercise the right to vote overseas for which they clamored for a long time. The deadline registration is fast approaching. You should avoid the last-minute rush to register,” he said

Earlier, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the Philippines turned down a request to extend OAV registration.

As of June 25, 7,949 had registered out of an estimated 1.3 million OFWs in the Kingdom.

“Before the OAV was granted, the Filipino community leaders in the Kingdom spared no effort or money as they clamored for a law for absentee voting among OFWs,” said Carlito L. Astillero, adviser of the Order of the Knights of Rizal-Riyadh Chapter.

“Now that the OFWs have the privilege to vote, they seemed to have lost their enthusiasm to even register so that they could participate in the May elections next year,” said Francisco “Boy” Naval, board chairman of the 6,000-member United OFW.

One reason being invoked for the low turnout is the distance being traveled by OFWs in going to the embassy, consulate or schools where registration is being held.

“Many of the OFWs in the Kingdom either work or live in far-flung areas. Many of them either don’t have their own cars or can’t afford the fare to go to the designated venues or areas to register,” said Max Bringula, deputy chairman of the All Filipino Community and Sports Commission (AFSCOM).

Another reason is the lack of awareness about OAV registration.

“In Qassim, many OFWs work or live in remote areas. Many of them may not have heard about the OAV registration. So, a stepped-up campaign is needed,” said Dionisio Tabuco, Jr., president of the Samahan ng Manggagawang Pilipino sa Gassim (SAMPIGA).

Villamor has called on all Filipino community groups in the Kingdom to encourage their members who have not yet registered to do so before the registration period ends.