Have faith in the Comelec
As the election day draws nearer, many are getting itchy with apprehensions on the fate of the first-ever automated polls in the country. There are so many discouraging indications that fuel suspicions about the viability of the supposedly “high-tech” elections. Alarmist or not, consider the following.
The result of the series of tests of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines does not inspire confidence. The viability of the electronic transmission of election results remains in question. If getting or locating signal has already proved to be a big headache for a few PCOS right in Pateros and Taguig, among others, how much more for the simultaneous transmission of PCOS all over the country? That, plus the reported presence of the 5,000 or so electronic jammers that are specifically designed to prevent transmission and the problem is multiplied.
Delays are also bogging the Comelec. Delay in the delivery of PCOS, delay in the printing of ballots, delay in the printing of instructions for poll count watchers, delay in the training of teachers and delay in the training of IT experts are just among the few known delays. Even some Comelec officials are starting to lose their cool, their confidence seems to be slowly dissipating.
Finally, the terms of office of the president, vice president and senate president will end on June 30. The Chief Justice will also retire on May 17. There are good reasons to be alarmed if the poll results of these officials are not forthcoming by June 30. Nobody will be left to man the fort. Have faith in the Comelec, the Supreme Court extolled as it ruled against the petition questioning the automated election. Given the peculiar situations obtaining, is that a sound advice?
Tags: automated, comelec, election, PCOS
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