The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced the suspension of overseas voter registration in Israel until March 7, 2026, and in Iran until further notice, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
On Wednesday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) issued a statement suspending voter registration services for overseas Filipinos in Israel and Iran. The commission noted that the Israeli government has prohibited consular services at foreign posts, including the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, until Saturday, March 7, 2026. "Hence, voter registration for overseas Filipinos in Israel is similarly suspended until March 7, 2026," Comelec stated.
In Iran, registration is paused until further notice, following guidance from the Philippine Embassy in Tehran. Consular services and voter registration remain available in other Middle East countries for Filipinos, according to Comelec.
Voter registration for the 2028 national elections continues until September 30, 2027. To qualify, individuals must be at least 18 years old on or before May 8, 2028, and not previously registered as overseas voters. Registration can occur at any Philippine embassy, consulate, Manila economic and cultural office, or foreign post.
The Comelec announcement follows a major attack by the United States and Israel against Iran on Saturday, with the Islamic republic responding through strikes targeting US bases across the Middle East.
