The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Central Visayas reported a low turnout in the October 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in Negros Oriental, attributed to the non-participation of voters from the A and B social classes.

Lionel Marco Castillano, Comelec regional director, said the minimum target of 85 percent was not achieved.

“We have seen this in the previous barangay and youth polls where members of this particular sector are not quite keen on voting for their village and SK officials compared to the national and local elections where they have an interest or stake, for instance, in the candidates or their businesses,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

Castillano said those who participate in the BSKE are usually “ordinary people” who have constant interaction with barangay officials, especially during the distribution of government assistance.

Despite the low turnout in the province, this year’s result was a little higher than in 2018.

Data released yesterday showed 76.36 percent voted this year compared to 75.84 percent in 2018.

At the barangay level, Siquijor logged the highest turnout at 81.06 percent; followed by Bohol, 79.37 percent; Negros Oriental, 76.16 percent; and Cebu, 75.43 percent.

It was the same order in the SK polls, with Siquijor registering 82.25 percent; Bohol, 79.79 percent; Negros Oriental, 77.32 percent; and Cebu, 76.54 percent. (PNA)