Filipinos living in Doha are preparing to vote in the country with only a few weeks till the Philippine national elections. From April 13 through May 12, 2025, overseas absentee voting (OAV) will be conducted. Having said that, Filipinos living in Qatar can vote in the upcoming elections in a timely and safe manner by authenticating their identities against the list of certified overseas voters at the Philippine Embassy.
Given this, it is critical that registered Filipinos living abroad understand the procedures and requirements for voting in their respective countries during the next elections.
Keep in mind, however, that this may vary from one place to the next, so make sure you adhere to the appropriate regulations for each. Before starting with the overseas voting procedure, overseas voters in Qatar can double-check their information on the Philippine Embassy’s website.
To begin, you may use this guide to learn about the step-by-step procedure for a smooth and trouble-free overseas voting experience from Qatar.
Voting Guidelines in Qatar for the 2025 Philippine Elections
Filipinos in Qatar may now vote fast and safely. Following the validation of their name on the country’s list of certified overseas voters (CLOV), the next step is to schedule a visit to the Philippine foreign post for the overseas voting procedure, which will take place over the course of a month – from April 13 to May 12.
Of course, no one appreciates waiting in line or having their plans disrupted on any given day. However, it is preferable for overseas Filipino employees and Qatar residents to prepare their schedules for the overseas voting session. Here’s how to get started.
Manual Voting Procedure On-Site at PH Embassy in Doha
Please follow the guidelines below on how you can cast your vote in Doha, Qatar this month:
Step 1 – Check if your name is on the list of registered voters in Qatar here.
The Philippine Embassy in Qatar has released the list of certified overseas voters (CLOV) 120 days before the election. The list should include the names of registered voters. Those who do not comply will be denied the right to vote in the upcoming elections.
Step 2 – Vote wisely.
At this point, you should know who to vote for based on the candidates’ professional and political backgrounds, as well as their positions on issues such as employment, health care, foreign workers, and immigrants, to name a few.
Step 3 – Cast your ballot in the vote-counting machine or VCM (formerly known as the PCOS machine).
At this point, you should know who to vote for based on the candidates’ professional and political backgrounds, as well as their positions on issues such as employment, health, foreign workers, and immigrants, to name a few.
Step 4 – Get the indelible ink marked on your index finger.
This will act as documentation that you voted in the earlier voting session before leaving the Embassy. That’s all! You are now free to leave the poll and go home, work, enjoy the day with your friends, or relax privately.
Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) in Qatar
Good news for Filipinos in Qatar! The Philippines is making history with its first-ever Internet Voting procedure. Through the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS), registered Overseas Voters can now cast their votes online, eliminating the need to visit polling centers. This is a more convenient option for Filipinos abroad, especially for those with busy schedules or work commitments.
Check out the video below to learn how the OVCS system works:
Overseas Filipino Voting Schedule in Qatar
The voting period for the overseas elections is from 8 a.m. local time to 7 p.m. Philippine time from April 13, 2025, to May 12, 2025.
Walk-ins are welcome at the Embassy during this period. However, you must validate your information on-site to ensure that you are eligible to vote in the ongoing overseas absentee voting.
Advisory from PH Embassy Qatar
The Embassy has released an important advisory for overseas voters, providing access to vital election-related information and resources. This effort highlights the Embassy’s dedication to facilitating a smooth and inclusive voting process for all eligible Filipinos abroad.
ADVISORY: The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Doha informs the general public that the National Registry of Overseas Voters (NROV) for the 2025 National Elections and the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) for registered Filipino overseas voters in the State of Qatar may be viewed by scanning the QR codes in the photo below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to be able to vote in the 2025 National Elections?
During the election season, Filipino citizens are required to bring their original passports or seafarer’s books to the polls. Residents having dual citizenship must additionally show their ID card or authorization papers to vote.
How do I know if I am a registered voter in Qatar?
The list of Filipino voters in Qatar, as well as Filipino seafarers, may be found on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) website or at the Philippine Embassy in Qatar. In the 2025 elections, only registered Filipino voters will be eligible to vote.
How does COMELEC decide on which voter records to deactivate?
The Commission on Elections deactivated the records of voters who did not vote in at least two elections (COMELEC).
When can applicants collect their Voter’s ID?
Due to the implementation of Republic Act 11055, or the National ID System, the Commission on Elections has halted the distribution and production of voter identification cards across the country.
Where can I find important information and updates on overseas voting?
Filipinos in Qatar are encouraged to follow the Philippine Embassy’s various social media sites to stay up to speed on election developments.
Filipinos in Qatar are advised to remain up to date on election news by following the Philippine Embassy’s various social media accounts.
Summary
The Philippine Embassy in Qatar attempts to make the overseas voting process as simple and convenient as possible for all Filipinos living in the country. As a result, they advise Filipinos living in the country to double-check the list of overseas voters (CLOV) before going to the Embassy to vote on April 10.
Contact Information
Embassy of the Philippines in Doha
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 7:00 AM to 12:00 NN (except holidays)
Address: Building No. 6, Street No. 549, Zone No. 66, Doha, State of Qatar
Doha, State of Qatar, P.O. Box 24900, (near Qatar University)
Tel.: (+974) 4483 1585
Website: https://dohape.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinQatar
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