Low voter turnout was expected in Saturday’s special election in Dasmariñas City as rain discouraged some voters from leaving their homes, while a possible extension of voting hours may no longer be necessary after the weather gradually improves.

According to a report by RH Tina Nolasco, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Garcia said election officials had earlier discussed extending voting hours if the rain continued to accommodate voters who were hesitant to go to polling places because of the downpour.

“Expect natin dahil tumila na yung ulan na magtutuloy-tuloy na yung pagboto ng mga kababayan natin,” Garcia said.

Garcia said the option to extend voting hours could be dropped if the rain continues to subside.

The special election is being held to elect a replacement for former lawmaker Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga, who was expelled by the House of Representatives on June 2 over what lawmakers described as “disruptive” and “disorderly” behavior.

Garcia also clarified that a low voter turnout would not prevent the COMELEC from proclaiming a winner.

Under election rules, the candidate who receives the highest number of votes among the five candidates will be proclaimed the winner, regardless of how many of the district’s roughly 447,000 registered voters cast ballots, Garcia said.

“Hindi pinag-uusapan na dapat kalahati ng 447,000 na botante ng distrito ang makaboto,” Garcia said.

“Kahit ilan lamang ’yan, kahit ilang libo lang ’yan, basta may bumoto, walang failure of election, walang epekto ’yan sa proklamasyon ng winning candidate,” the COMELEC chief added.