Comelec halts overseas voter registration in Iran, Israel due to tension

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday announced that it will be suspending overseas voter registration in Israel until March 7 and in Iran until further notice amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In a statement, the commission said consular services of foreign posts in Israel, including the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, have been suspended until Saturday, March 7, in accordance with Israeli government policies.

“Hence, voter registration for overseas Filipinos in Israel is similarly suspended until March 7, 2026,” said Comelec.

READ: Voter registration in Middle East not affected by conflict

Meanwhile, overseas voter registration in Iran is suspended until further notice following the advice of the Philippine Embassy in Tehran.

“Consular services and voter registration in other countries in the Middle East continue to be available for Filipinos,” Comelec said.

Voter registration for the 2028 national elections is currently ongoing until Sept. 30, 2027. To qualify, one must be at least 18 years old on or before May 8, 2028, and not yet registered as an overseas voter.

Those looking to register abroad can go to any Philippine embassy, consulate, Manila economic and cultural office, or Philippine Foreign Post.

The Comelec announcement comes after the United States and Israel carried out a major attack against Iran on Saturday, with the Islamic republic responding by launching strikes that targeted US bases across the Middle East. /jpv