Reform Group Holds Talks with Comelec, Urges Transparency
26 weeks to go before 2010 polls, doubts on automation remain
With only 26 weeks left before the May 2010 elections, leaders of a change movement today held a dialogue with the Comelec to urge the poll body to disclose details of the automated election system (AES) and resolve controversial aspects in its programming.
Amid persistent doubts on Comelec’s poll automation technology, convenors of reform group Pagbabago! People’s Movement for Change met with Comelec Commissioner Rene V Sarmiento to discuss the status and calendar for setting up the AES. Specifically, the group asked the poll body details of the programming such as the source code, systems to be used for voter verification and election returns, and the requisite training for automation operators.
According to Pagbabago! co-chairperson Prof Judy Taguiwalo, “In the dialogue, we asked Comelec Commissioner Sarmiento to release the source code of the AES so that concerned citizens like us could review it and remove our doubts on vote counting in 2010.” Opening the source code is one of the important safeguards of poll automation because it provides the instructions for the counting, canvassing, transmission and security of the votes and election results.
Moreover, Comelec was urged to disclose its contingency plan in case the AES encounters problems on election day. It also asked the poll body to announce immediately when it will release the general rules on the 2010 elections. “As it is, the Comelec is already behind schedule of releasing the general election rules, which it should have done last month,” said Prof Taguiwalo.
The group warned that problems during voting and canvassing could lead to contentious poll outcomes and even a failure of elections or failure of proclamation.
“The May 2010 elections will be greatly compromised if the flaws and controversies surrounding the AES are left unresolved. All these concerns are critical and need to be addressed immediately if the Comelec wants to bring confidence to the May 2010 elections among the voting public and prevent potentially volatile conditions,” said Prof Taguiwalo.
Press release
9 November 2009
Reference: Prof Judy Taguiwalo, co-chairperson
Fr Joe Dizon, spokesperson
Eleanor R. de Guzman
#0928.255.54.23
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