To avert cheating and other electoral frauds, the Commission on Elections said Friday it will accredit a dominant majority party and dominant minority party, along with 10 major national parties and two major local parties, for the May 10, 2010 elections.

The poll body said the accreditation will entitle the parties to official watchers and copies of election returns and certificates of canvass in the presidential, congressional, local and party-list elections.

Comelec Chairman Jose A.R. Melo said the accreditation of dominant majority and minority parties, 10 major national parties and two major local parties is in accordance with Section 19 of Republic Act 9369.

Melo said the Comelec will determine the dominant majority and minority parties, 10 major national parties and two major local parties after notice and hearing, during which the political parties will be required to present pertinent data and statistics to support their arguments for accreditation.

The Comelec has set a February 12 deadline for the filing of petition for accreditation. A fee of P5,000 and P50 legal research fee is required for the filing of the petition.

The poll body said the accreditation process will consider several criteria, including an established record of the parties, coalition or groups that now composed them, taking into account their showing in past elections.

The poll body will also verify identifiable political organizations and strengths as evidenced by their organized chapters and ability to fill a complete slate of candidates from the municipal level to the position of President, among others.