Local and foreign media practitioners can now start applying for media accreditation to cover and observe the first ever nationwide automated elections on May 10, as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Thursday has already set the deadline on April 15.

Under Resolution 8764, the poll body said it is expected that the 2010 automated local and national elections will generate great media attention from foreign and domestic entities.

“It is the policy of Comelec to ensure accurate reporting about the conduct and results of the 2010 automated elections by providing maximum access to all stages of the electoral process to accredited media representatives subject only to conditions essential for the protection of Comelec personnel, property, and privileged information,” the resolution said.

Local and foreign media must personally apply at the Commission’s main office in Intramuros, Manila. They must also furnish a copy of their application to Comelec’s Education and Information Department.

Applications for local media, meanwhile, have to be submitted at the Office of the Provincial Election Supervisor (OPES).

Local and foreign media are required to submit a duly accomplished application form, which can be acquired from the poll body’s main office and its website; two (2) two-inches-by-two-inches colored photos; and an endorsement letter from the media’s agency.

Foreign media, on the other hand, have to submit photocopies of their International Press Center Card (IPC) and also the accomplished application forms and photos.

Meanwhile, foreigners who wish to observe the 2010 automated elections in the country can do so provided that they submit an application form, two recent photos, and an endorsement letter by the ambassador or consul of the applicant’s home country.

The May 10, 2010, elections is the country’s first foray into nationwide automated polls. Some 82,200 Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines, which will be used for the May polls, are expected to be delivered by the joint venture of Smartmatic and Total Information Management (TIM) next week.

A poll body staff requested the media to submit their accreditation forms earlier than the said deadline to ensure the smooth coverage during the election day.