Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Erwin Garcia on Saturday said he expects low voter turnout in the special election in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, due to bad weather.

“Of course, some people are being more careful about their health, especially those who are not feeling well or have comorbidities. Therefore, they are choosing not to leave their homes,” Garcia said.

The Comelec chief said he would be satisfied with a 50 percent voter turnout.

“We would be content if at least 50 percent of the voters cast their ballots,” he said.

Dasmariñas City has a total of 447,000 registered voters.

Garcia also disclosed that Comelec officials discussed the possibility of extending voting hours for the special election to accommodate voters affected by the inclement weather.

Despite the expected low turnout, Garcia assured that it would not affect the proclamation of the winning candidate.

“The law states that Comelec will proclaim as the winner the candidate who receives the highest number of votes among all the candidates,” Garcia said.

The special election was held to fill the congressional seat left vacant following the expulsion of former Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga Jr. for disorderly conduct.

Five candidates are vying for the seat, including Barzaga’s mother, Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer Barzaga.