ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Less than a week before the special barangay elections in Zamboanga City, candidates are now in the heat of their political campaigns.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned candidates against election law violations, particularly the posting of campaign materials in public places and government-owned infrastructures.
The poll body received its first complaint, which alleges that a candidate distributed leaflets even when the campaign period has not yet started.
Election Officer for District 1 Jesus Alvin Lim said there are 11 barangays with uncontested candidates for the post of barangay chairman.
An explosion in Barangay Ayala last week left two people dead and 10 others injured, most of them candidates in the upcoming polls. However, police has not yet considered an election-related incident.
On Monday, the Comelec started its orientation for over 200 teachers who will serve as Board of Election Tellers (BETs) to refresh them on the manual elections.
Several concerns such as honorarium and security of the teachers, particularly those who will serve in polling centers in islands, were also discussed.
The Office of the City Treasurer, meanwhile, has invited people to the public viewing and inspection of ballot boxes and election returns that will be used in the special elections on November 25.
November 25, Monday, has been declared a special non-working holiday in Zamboanga City and Bohol.