The Commission on Elections, or COMELEC, is one of the three constitutional commissions of the Philippines. Its principal role is to enforce all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of elections, initiatives, referendums, and recalls.

Under the Constitution, the Commission on Elections is independent of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of the Philippine Government. It has the following functions:

The Commission Proper is the policy-making body composed of the Chairman and six Commissioners who must be natural-born citizens of the Philippines; at least thirty-five years of age at the time of their appointment; holders of a college degree, with a majority of them, including the Chairman, members of the Philippine Bar who have been engaged in the practice of law for at least ten (10) years; and must not have been a candidate for any elective position in the immediate preceding elections [Article IX-C, Section 1, 1987 Constitution]. The Chairman and the Commissioners are appointed by the President, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.n They hold office for seven years, without reappointment.