ALKHOBAR, 25 April 2004 — The Overseas Absentee Voting secretariat in Alkhobar had sent an advisory to all community leaders in the Eastern Province urging voters to refrain from bringing huge personal items, bags or backpacks when they go to the voting center at the International Philippine School in Alkhobar.
Coming with so many items would only slow down the movement of queues since the guards will be inspecting and opening any bag or package being brought inside the school, voters were told.
Secretariat officials said an inspection was necessary in view of the recent bombing incident in Riyadh.
Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz again appealed to those who can come and vote during weekdays to do so and minimize the inconvenience from a large buildup of voters on weekends.
Last weekend, close to 2,000 came to cast their vote. The figure could double or even triple next weekend as the absentee voting exercise reaches its third week, officials said.
“We also appeal that they must come earlier during weekends and not during the last hours,” Cruz said, noting that there were still voters arriving just before the gate closes at 5 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, causing more burden to the volunteers and the Commission on Election (Comelec) staff who have to extend their time just to accommodate late comers.
Punctuality is one trait most Filipinos are not known for, often causing embarrassment when an activity involves other nationalities.
Meanwhile, community leaders here have formed a volunteer brigade to support the Comelec in controlling the flow of the crowd. The core group is chaired by Ed Balayo.
Community organizations have also responded to the call for help by donating food and drinks for volunteers who are not part of the budget of the Comelec or the Special Board of Election Inspectors.
The United Surigaonon Association and the Society of Safety Engineers immediately handed over some cash donations to buy the logistical needs of the volunteers.
Other groups pledged to send their members as volunteers, while others promised to bring packed lunch and water.