The Philippine embassy in Doha has expressed confidence that it will beat the 2,800 voter turnout in the previous (senatorial) elections held in 2013.
“Despite the challenge of balancing a smooth election for our compatriots in Qatar with our everyday work at the embassy, it is rewarding to note that in just four days more than 2,000 Filipinos already cast their votes,” first secretary and consul Gonaranao B Musor said.
In a press statement posted on the Philippine’s Department of Foreign Affairs website, the embassy noted that more than 750 registered voters cast their votes at four polling precincts at the chancery on April 9, the first day of the month-long absentee voting.
Succeeding days of the voting process had seen a significant turnout, according to Musor, who hopes the trend will continue until May 9 “so that every Filipino is empowered to choose their next leaders.”
“Just goes to show the enthusiasm of our ‘kababayans’ for this electoral process. Being able to vote is not just a right but also a privilege as not all countries permit their nationals to enjoy this democratic exercise,” Musor stressed.
A security guard named Jose Palarca was the first to vote on day one, arriving as early as 5am at the embassy.  
He believes that the power of change is in the hands of the voters, especially at this crucial time when the Philippines is poised to choose a new president.
The embassy has adopted an automated election system for the first time to allow faster counting of ballots and real-time transmittal of results on May 9, the actual day of elections in the Philippines.
Musor said they will be open for voting during regular office hours from Sundays to Thursdays between 8am and 5pm and during Fridays, Saturdays, and holidays between 9am and 5pm with no break.
On May 9, Filipinos in Qatar will be allowed to cast their votes from 7am to 12noon only.
Ambassador Wilfredo Santos is urging all registered Filipino voters in Qatar to exercise their right of suffrage and to make their vote count as part of their civic duties as a citizen.
Qatar has more than 40,000 registered voters and is ranked 10th largest in terms of number of registered overseas Filipino voters.
It is learnt that the Middle East has the largest number of registered overseas Filipino voters but has had the lowest voter turnout in the past.