Halfway through the ongoing Philippine overseas (OV) elections, the Philippine Embassy in Dili has tapped the potent power of media to increase voter participation in Timor-Leste.

On his live interview for UNTV on 25 April 2016, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Maurice A. Tiempo, who also serves as the Chair of the Special Board of Election Inspectors at the Embassy, appealed to registered Filipino voters in Timor-Leste to participate in nation-building by choosing the next national leaders of the Philippines.

“Huwag po nating sayangin ang pagkakataon na ibinigay sa atin na lumahok sa demokratikong proseso ng pagpili sa mga susunod na pinuno ng Pilipinas. Sabi nga nila, nakasalalay sa ating mga boto ang kinabukasan ng ating Ynangbayan,” Mr. Tiempo said.

The interview, which was conducted by UNTV field correspondent Robert Navoa, also touched on the strategies and approaches of the Embassy to entice Filipinos to participate in this year’s OV elections.

The Embassy gently reminds registered Filipino voters in Timor-Leste, who have not yet voted, that they can come to the Embassy to cast their ballots until 9 May 2016. During that period, the Embassy will be open daily (including Saturdays and Sundays), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (no lunch breaks), for purposes of the OV elections. On the last day of the elections, 9 May 2016, the voting hours at the Embassy will be extended until 6 p.m.

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